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 :
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.
Your profile
Knowledge and Experience
Skills and attitudes
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 .
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 :
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 :
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.
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Of • Ghent, Belgium