Research Expert

The Trellis Research Group, embedded in the Departments of “Cellular and Molecular Medicine” and “Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation” at KU Leuven, is looking for a highly motivated and skilled research expert to join its Gene Therapy Discovery Science Team. The Research Expert will shape a forward-looking gene therapy pipeline, leveraging technological advancements to unlock treatments for diseases currently beyond the reach of AAV-based therapies.
Website unit

Responsibilities

• Spearheading innovative research initiatives — from design to delivery — to enable the development of breakthrough gene therapy products.    
• Managing a team of researchers and technicians.
• Driving the creation of novel intellectual property and identifying broader valorization opportunities, in close collaboration with the KU Leuven tech transfer office to build a robust and strategically aligned IP portfolio.
• Establishing and nurturing a national and international network of academic and industry partners focused on gene therapy product development.
• Engaging in internal and external research meetings to share insights, spark innovation, and strengthen collaborative efforts.
• Acting as a subject matter expert, offering technical guidance to both internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Dissemination of scientific knowledge by publishing in international journals and presenting at conferences.
• Preparing grant applications to secure funding for research programs, in collaboration with academic and biotech/pharma partners.

Profile

• You hold a PhD in Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering Sciences or related discipline.
• You have at least 10 years of postdoctoral experience.
• You have a thorough understanding of molecular biology and AAV-based gene therapy.
• You have several years of experience with AAV transgene cassette design including knockout, knockdown, gene editing strategies, and/or dual AAV large cargo delivery.
• You combine excellent problem-solving skills with an analytical mindset.
• Experience in research valorization, including patent application processes, is considered an asset
• You have strong interpersonal and communication skills. Proven record of collaborations and effective work with academic and industrial partners. 
• You have experience with writing project applications and research reports.
• You can identify scientific and technological challenges in the field and translate them into concrete actions.
• You have good organizational and managerial qualities within a research context.
• Your English communication skills, both written and verbal, are excellent.

Offer

More information

https://www.trellisresearchgroup.be/

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Els Henckaerts, tel.: +32 16 37 61 96, mail: [email protected] or dr. Inge Van Hove, tel.: +32 16 71 00 86, mail: [email protected].

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.