Principal Investigator positions in inflammation research

The VIB Center for Inflammation Research (IRC) is seeking 2–3 outstanding Principal Investigators to establish ambitious and independent research groups in the broad field of inflammation biology. We welcome scientists with innovative, high-impact ideas that complement and expand IRC’s expertise.

VIB is a leading life sciences research institute in Belgium, supported by the Flemish government and embedded within Flemish universities. VIB brings together 2,000+ scientists and staff in 10 research centres, combining pioneering fundamental research with a strong drive to translate discoveries into applications in health, biotechnology and agriculture. Researchers benefit from state-of-the-art core facilities (12 centralized platforms ) and an experienced innovation & business team connecting science to industry and supporting spin-off creation.

The VIB Center for Inflammation Research (IRC) is hosted at Ghent University and Vrije Universiteit Brussel and currently includes 20+ Principal Investigators and 450 scientists from around the world. IRC investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms of inflammation, including inter- and intracellular signaling, immune cell biology, barrier tissue function, and the transition from homeostasis to disease. IRC combines molecular biotechnology, structural biology, cell biology, immunology, mouse genetics, bioinformatics, and translational clinical studies. Several IRC PIs hold clinical appointments and actively bridge fundamental insights with therapeutic innovation and biotech development.

We are looking for creative, ambitious scientists who combine scientific excellence with leadership and collaboration:

• PhD or MD/PhD in the Life Sciences
• An internationally competitive scientific track record in areas related to inflammation and immunity
• Leadership skills or strong interest in mentoring and coaching junior scientists
• Ambition to pursue innovative, high-impact research
• Ambition to translate basic science toclinical applications
• Motivation to secure competitive external funding (e.g. ERC or other international programs)
• Interest in outreach and contributing to a dynamic, collaborative scientific community
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Willingness to gradually take on teaching and mentoring duties (undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral)
• International research experience (>3 years outside Belgium) is considered an asset
• We especially encourage female and underrepresented scientists to apply

Successful candidates will lead independent, cutting-edge programs in areas such as (but not limited to):

• Cell death and tissue homeostasis
• Intracellular signaling pathways in immunity
• Mechanisms of chronic or acute inflammation 
• Translational approaches to inflammatory disease

• Full salary and core funding for an initial five-year period
• An attractive employment package, including excellent health benefits
• An initial 10% professorship appointment at the host university (+support to obtain a B2 Dutch certificate within 5 years for non-native speakers)
• Dedicated lab space with access to core IRC equipment and infrastructure
• Access to in-house state-of-the-art core facilities that also offer staff training
• A vibrant, collaborative, and internationally recognized research environment that attracts the best students
• Broad administrative and accounting support
• Continuous training opportunities (scientific, entrepreneurship, leadership, grant writing, etc.)
• Support with relocation, including visa application, housing, schooling, day care, and integration into Belgian life
• A workplace that values diversity and promotes inclusion

Please submit as a single PDF:

• Cover letter and CV (including full publication list)
• Summary of past achievements
• 2–3 page research vision (highlighting innovation and complementarity with IRC)
• Names and contact details of three references

The position will close December 31, 2025, at 24:00 CET