Lab Manager for the VIB.AI Technology & Wet Lab Unit

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 VIB.AI, 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 VIB.AI.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 VIB’s 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.

VIB.AI, 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 vib.ai/en.

Please complete the application through the VIB online application tool (https://jobs.vib.be/j/130307/lab-manager-for-the-vibai-technology-wet-lab-unit ). 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 joana.pereira@kuleuven.be and Irina Matetovici irina.matetovici@vib.be