The VirusBankPlatform [a research unit that develops tools for viral epidemic and pandemic preparedness] belongs to the Virology, Antiviral Drug & Vaccine Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Group Biomedical Sciences.
Website unit
Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategic Planning:
• You will be responsible for the daily management of a multidisciplinary and highly qualified team of scientists and technicians to ensure optimal operational and scientific functioning of the VirusBankPlatform.
• You will foster a culture of creativity to drive innovation, collaboration and sense of urgency to meet the mission of the VirusBankPlatform.
• You will act on a day-to-day basis as a figurehead for the organization at internal and external meetings.
• You will ensure that the organization meets all legal and regulatory obligations.
• You understand, analyze and manage the interests and priorities of the stakeholders in and around the VirusBankPlatform.
• You will lead the strategic planning efforts for the VirusBank to align with organizational goals and priorities.
• You will drive new and existing revenue streams to benefit the VirusBankPlatform as an organization. Therefore, you will interact closely with its affiliates to provide unmet needs and otherwise solutions to be prepared for epidemic and pandemic threats and identify emergencies, opportunities and gaps in (preventive) counter measures and diagnostics for viral infections.
• You will expand the national and international (global) reach of the VirusBank.
Budget & Financial Management:
• You will develop and monitor budgets and interact with the finance and control department of KU Leuven to ensure a financially sound and well-directed balance sheet and alignment with organizational objectives.
• You will provide interim and annual financial reports to the steering board and funding bodies.
Networking:
• You will build strong relationships with key internal- and external experts in the field of virology and assay/method/tool/model development.
• You will foster relationships with scientific communities, industry partners, government agencies and other stakeholders nationally and internationally.
• You will cultivate strategic partnerships (inter)nationally to advance the VirusBank's mission and impact.
Business Development:
• You will identify new collaborations, business opportunities and maintaining and deepening current relationships in order to continuously improving the VirusBanks’ platform and to increase its availability and employability.
• You will disseminate research activities, results and experience to contribute to the visibility of the VirusBank.
Profile
• A PhD in Medical Microbiology, Immunology and preferably Virology with a proven scientific track record which includes (i) authorship of high quality peer-reviewed publications (ii) presentations and visibility at scientific conferences (iii) preferably trained within the field of antiviral drug and vaccine development for virus families relevant for the mission of the VirusBankPlatform.
• At least 15 years of experience in academic and non-academic/private organizations. Experienced in working with for-profit and non-profit organizations.
• At least 15 years of experience leading growing multidisciplinary teams of more >15 people in the field of (contract) virology research.
• Experienced in change management and situational leadership.
• Significant years of experience in preclinical research and being able to lead a team to translate scientific knowledge into partners´ needs.
• Understanding of different types of management systems to ensure high quality and timely delivery.
• Experienced in fund raising from subsidy providers to investment communities.
• Experienced in developing and improving assays and models for the evaluation of preventive and therapeutic measures against emerging viruses, including in vivo and in vitro models such as organoids.
• Experienced in being responsible for animal experiments and GMO, BSL2 and BSL3 classified biomedical research.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills acknowledging the multicultural working environment required to successfully lead and manage the teams’ activities.
• Effective communicator with strong presentation and writing skills both English and Dutch.
Offer
We offer a full-time research management position as the Manager Director of the VirusBankPlatform with a contract of indefinite duration.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Johan Neyts, tel.: +32 16 32 18 93, mail: johan.neyts@kuleuven.be or Mr. Patrick Chaltin, tel.: +32 16 32 65 23, mail: patrick.chaltin@kuleuven.be.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.