- Department: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; DI08 - Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine
- Occupancy rate: 100% - statutory position
- Applications can be submitted until 29/06/2025 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Your job
As a lab manager or Head of the Laboratory for In Vitro Fertilization in Animals, you are responsible for coordinating and carrying out assisted reproductive technologies in various animal species, with a focus on cattle and horses. This position requires exceptional problem-solving skills, as you will regularly face complex scientific challenges that demand in-depth knowledge and an innovative approach. You work closely with a diverse team of scientists, veterinarians and technicians, each bringing a different background and area of expertise. The ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across these disciplines is crucial to achieving successful outcomes.
You will join a young and dynamic international team, primarily conducting research on the in vitro production of embryos through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), as well as the cryopreservation of sperm, oocytes, and embryos in domestic animals. Cattle and horses are used as models for similar techniques in humans, but ICSI in horses is also applied for producing foals in a clinical context. The working language in the laboratory is English, as most researchers are from abroad. The position includes the following core tasks:
- As lab manager, you are responsible for the general day-to-day operations in the research laboratory, where weekly experiments are initiated by PhD students who produce embryos for research.
- Cell and tissue culture is routinely performed by PhD students, but must be taught and supported by the lab manager, with sterile and swift handling being central, as well as the very precise preparation and control of culture media (pH, osmolarity, sterility, etc.).
- You assist with administrative tasks (monitoring stocks and orders) and ensure quality control in the lab.
- You attend the weekly lab meetings and guide the organization and planning of experiments.
- You will have the opportunity to participate in webinars and training sessions, research meetings, and (inter)national conferences on human and veterinary IVF.
- Your work schedule can be flexibly arranged in mutual consultation to ensure the smooth operation of the lab and the equine clinic.
- You organize your work and the division of tasks in the laboratory according to priorities and planned experiments.
- Together with the students, you are responsible for documenting experiments and managing the storage of sperm and embryos in liquid nitrogen tanks.
- You are responsible for updating the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) when necessary.
Leadership: You are responsible for the day-to-day management of the laboratory, organizing various lab activities, and ensuring a safe and efficient working environment.
Problem-Solving Ability: You resolve scientific and technical issues that arise during the in vitro fertilization processes and other related experiments.
Use and Maintenance of Advanced Equipment: You are responsible for operating, calibrating, and maintaining advanced laboratory equipment such as microscopes, incubators, and microinjectors. You ensure all equipment is functioning optimally to guarantee accurate results.
Taking Initiative: You take the lead in designing, executing, and optimizing new experiments. This includes developing new protocols and techniques to improve the efficiency and success rates of in vitro fertilization in animals.
Precision and Efficiency: You personally carry out the various steps involved in in vitro embryo production in cattle and horses. You support clinical embryo production by preparing culture media and actively participating in the program. You commit to learning new advanced techniques such as vitrification and ICSI.
Flexibility: Working with animals and cells in a clinical environment means that work may sometimes take place outside regular office hours; you also participate in rotating weekend shifts.
Chairing Meetings: You lead team meetings and scientific discussions to evaluate research findings, develop strategies, and determine future research directions.
Communication: You serve as the primary contact for both internal and external parties, such as research institutions, commercial partners, and suppliers. This includes composing and responding to emails, writing scientific reports, and presenting findings at conferences and seminars.
For more information about the job content, you can contact Professor Ann Van Soom via [email protected] or at +32 9 264 75 50 or Prof. Katrien Smits via [email protected] or at +32 9 264 75 62
(Please note: Do not send your application via email—apply online instead.)
Your profile
Knowledge and Experience
- You have a background in biomedical sciences or a related field.
- Experience with embryo culture techniques and cell cryopreservation is considered an asset.
- Experience with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or micromanipulation is a plus.
- You have a good command of the English language (spoken and written); you have at least a basic knowledge of Dutch and are willing to further develop it.
- You are proficient in standard computer programs such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Knowledge of SAP is considered an advantage.
- You hold a category B driving license.
Skills and attitudes
- You are a fast learner, practical and precise, work in a detailed and focused manner, and are able to meet deadlines.
- You are capable of solving problems independently.
- You have strong planning and organizational skills and a flexible attitude.
- You have an eye for detail and recognize what tasks need to be done.
- You have excellent communication skills.
- You are a team player and enjoy working in a dynamic, evolving environment where new techniques are continuously introduced.
What Do We Offer You?
You will be employed in a statutory position (permanent appointment after 6 months of internship and a positive evaluation) in function class A. Read more about our remuneration on our website.
Ghent University strongly focuses on the career development of its employees. You will have opportunities to discover other roles and gain new experiences within Ghent University (both temporary and permanent).
In addition, you will receive:
- 36 vacation days (for full-time employment of 38 hours/week)
- the possibility of working from home and flexible working hours if your job allows it
- favorable pension conditions
- hospitalization insurance
- reimbursement of your public transport subscription and/or a bicycle allowance for commuting
- eco vouchers
- an extensive training and development offer and ample internal career opportunities
- a good work-life balance
- our benefits platform 'benefits at work' and a number of other benefits such as an extensive sports offer at favorable prices, discount rate in the student restaurants, free flu vaccination, etc.
Interested?
To apply for this vacancy, you must have a master's diploma (Biomedical Sciences or, with an interest in laboratory and molecular techniques, or certified embryologist).
Submit the following documents no later than 29/06/2025 at 11:59 PM:
- Your CV
- Your cover letter
- A copy of your diploma
- If you obtained your diploma outside the European Union (except for diplomas obtained in the United Kingdom before January 31, 2020): an equivalence certificate from NARIC (www.naric.be)
Note: your application is only valid if you have the required diploma at the time of application, and you provide us with all the above-mentioned documents before the application deadline.
We believe it is important that everyone can participate in the selection process under the best conditions. Do you have a disability? Please let us know in advance via [email protected] so that we can provide reasonable accommodations.
More questions about applying online or the selection process? Check our FAQ.
