Scientist - Cellular Biology

Zomagen Belgium is a biotech company focussed on the development of compounds targeting the innate immune system, eventually to treat diseases with chronic inflammatory involvement.

Zomagen Belgium is part of Ventyx Biosciences, a small international group headquartered in the San Diego area. Our research activities in Ghent, Belgium are centered around the development and execution of assays to evaluate new small molecule drugs.

We are currently looking to supplement our Discovery team with a scientist in cellular biology. The position will be based in Ghent, Belgium and will report to the Director preclinical discovery. You will provide expert biology support to preclinical studies for the discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents in (neuro-)inflammatory and metabolic diseases.

Job description and responsibilities

As a full-time scientist in the Discovery Team, your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

-         Work collaboratively within your team to develop novel project ideas and offer innovative approaches to scientific questions.

-         Design and execute (either internally or with an academic/commercial partner) in vitro studies to assess potency, selectivity, and to elucidate molecular mechanisms of action and efficacy.

-         Apply your scientific expertise and knowledge to experimental systems ranging from expression systems, complex co-cultures, human induced pluripotent stem cells to brain slices and tissue biopsies.

-         Interpret experimental results and discuss scientific presentations in team meetings.

-         Maintain lab notebooks and record findings in experimental reports in a detailed and timely manner.

-         Develop and maintain external relationships/contacts.

Required Education and Working Experience

-         University degree (MSc, PhD) in Life Science discipline, preferably immunology, cell biology, neurosciences or a related field.

-         Industrial experience in drug discovery is preferred.

-         Post-doctoral training experience is a plus.

-         Min 3 years (PhD) or 8 years (MSc) working experience, preferably in the field of immunology, inflammation, metabolic diseases and/or neurology.

Skills

-         Hands-on expertise in broad range of immunological techniques: cell culture of human primary immune cells, co-culture of different immune and non-immune cell types, multicolor FACS analysis, immunocytochemistry, scRNAseq.

-         Expertise in handling complex cellular models in particular with neurons is a plus.

-         Experience in drug discovery and mode-of-action studies is a plus.

-         Excellent oral and written English communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with people, both internally and externally.

Profile

-         Proven scientific impact on innovation through a solid publication track record.

-         High level of technical proficiency and scientific curiosity. Open for continuous learning.

-         Sense of responsibility and able to work independantly.

-         Team-player with good communication skills.

-         Dynamic, flexible, self-motivated and able to solve problems.

-         Respectful for applicable procedures and policies, and quality oriented.

Offer

-         A competitive salary package and benefits.

-         A dynamic and enthusiastic work environment with project, process and people responsabilities in an innovative small company.

-         Title of positions (Associate Scientist, Scientist, Senior Scientist) matched with candidate’s qualifications and years of experience.

Procedure

Please send your motivation letter and curriculum vitae to officeadmin@zomagen.com