Lab Manager for the Technology & Wet Lab Unit

About us

VIB is a leading life sciences research institute in Flanders Belgium dedicated to translating fundamental discoveries into tangible benefits for society. With the launch of we are expanding this mission by leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to accelerate life sciences research innovation and impact. To tackle complex biological questions seamless integration between computational approaches and experimental biology is essential. We therefore aim to establish a dedicated Technology & Wet Lab Unit that will streamline the generation of high-quality training data and enable the rapid transition from AI-driven predictions to experimental validation and workflow optimization.

We are seeking an experienced Lab Manager to build lead and operate this new Technology & Wet Lab Unit within .

Your role

• Establish organize and maintain the new Technology & Wet Lab Unit including equipment selection and procurement.
• Coordinate closely with computational teams to translate AI-driven hypotheses into experimental designs.
• Plan execute and oversee experiments across multiple modalities (e.g. proteomics biochemistry biophysics metabolomics imaging).
• Design efficient experimental workflows for generating and automating the acquisition of high-quality training datasets for machine learning models.
• Provide training to students on new technologies protocols and best practices.
• Support grant applications collaborations and project planning involving experimental components.

Your profile

• PhD or equivalent experience in molecular biology biotechnology biochemistry systems biology or a related life sciences field.
• You love being at the bench to establish and optimize new protocols.
• Extensive hands-on expertise with at least two major experimental platforms relevant to the unit (e.g. proteomics biochemistry biophysics metabolomics imaging).
• Experience with cell culture and viral work.
• Experience with animal work (FELASA B certificate) is a plus.
• Proven experience in setting up or managing a wet lab is a plus.
• Experience working in interdisciplinary environments ideally integrating wet-lab experiments with computational research.
• Excellent communication and team leadership skills with the ability to train other researchers.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects priorities and deadlines in a fast-evolving research landscape.
• A proactive solution-oriented mindset with enthusiasm for adopting emerging technologies and automating experimental workflows.
• Good knowledge of English.

We offer

• A stimulating international and highly collaborative research environment that values openness diversity and inclusion.
• A culture that actively supports personal and professional development encouraging continuous learning and growth.
• The opportunity to establish and grow and the freedom to shape the vision of a high-impact Wet-Lab Expertise Unit at the forefront of life sciences.
• Direct access to VIBs Core services which provide access to state-of-the art technologies.
• Opportunities for continued training in state-of-the-art technologies and cross-disciplinary skill development.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• The chance to make a lasting impact on science health and society.
• Start Date: As soon as possible.

About

the VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology is a young research center dedicated to combining machine learning with in-depth knowledge of biological processes. Our mission is to study fundamental problems in biology and work towards foundation models of biological systems and innovative AI-driven biotech applications. For more information visit to apply

Please complete the application through the VIB online application tool ( A complete application file should contain the following documents:

• Your motivation letter stating career goals past experience and how these relate to the current position.
• Your CV.
• Contact information of three references.

For information you can contact Joana Pereira and Irina Matetovici