Rik Gijsbers

The Gijsbers lab (Laboratory Molecular Vectorlogy and Gene Therapy, LMVGT) at KU Leuven, Belgium, is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher for a fully funded, three-year position in viral vector technology and advanced bioprocess development. The lab is part of ADVANTAGE labs, a multidisciplinary group focused on advanced disease modeling, targeted drug discovery, and gene therapy. The research is conducted in close partnership with the Leuven Viral Vector Core (LVVC), a BSL2 academic facility specializing in retroviral, lentiviral, recombinant AAV, and virus-like particle production. The project aims to deliver a standardized viral vector toolbox targeting Parkinson’s disease genes, supporting knockdown, knockout, and overexpression strategies using lentiviral, recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors, and VLP-CRISPR for gene editing. These tools will be validated across laboratory cell lines, human iPSC-derived neural platforms, brain-on-chip systems, and mouse models. The Gijsbers lab collaborates with KU Leuven groups (LVVC, Peelaerts lab, Baekelandt lab), the Loskill lab at the University of Tübingen, and the ASAP Collaborative Research Network, forming a large international consortium. The successful candidate will lead viral vector design, development, and production workflows within LMVGT, performing wet lab experiments from molecular design to process scaling and in silico bioprocess modeling. Responsibilities include overseeing operational and scientific progress, coordinating with partner laboratories, serving as a central communication node, and ensuring timely delivery of project milestones and open-science compliance. The role also involves independent research planning, milestone tracking, scientific guidance, inter- and intra-team coordination, and meticulous documentation. Applicants must have a PhD in biotechnology, biomedical sciences, bioscience engineering, or a related discipline, with experience in viral vector technology, bioprocess development, scaling, quality control, and neuroscience considered an asset. Familiarity with FAIR data storage and sharing protocols is required. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple workflows in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, are essential. This position is fully funded through the ASAP grant cycle, with salary commensurate with experience and KU Leuven regulations. The lab operates at the intersection of synthetic biology, molecular medicine, and rare disease/neurodegeneration research, fostering radical collaboration among diverse investigators. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, providing a respectful and socially safe environment for all. To apply, submit your application via the KU Leuven job portal. For more information, contact Prof. dr. Rik Gijsbers at [email protected]. Applications must be received by May 15, 2026.

KU Leuven is advertising a fully funded postdoctoral position in Advanced Viral Vector Technology & Bioprocess Development within the Laboratory of Molecular Vectorology and Gene Therapy (LMVGT) , part of ADVANTAGE labs in the Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, group Biomedical Sciences. The role is based in Leuven, Belgium, and is closely connected to the Leuven Viral Vector Core (LVVC), a BSL2 academic viral vector production facility and platform for retroviral, lentiviral, recombinant AAV, and virus-like particle technologies. The project sits at the intersection of synthetic vectorology, viral vector engineering, upstream and downstream bioprocess development, and rare disease gene therapy. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and optimization of scalable processes for viral vector production, purification, concentration, analytical validation, and preclinical manufacturing. A key focus is on retroviral vectors, including MLV-based systems, SIV/FIV/HIV-derived lentiviral vectors, and VLPs, with strong emphasis on process characterization, critical quality attributes, and scalable manufacturing strategies. This is a hands-on scientific leadership role with substantial coordination responsibilities. The postdoctoral researcher will lead vector design and production activities, help develop producer cell lines, optimize manufacturing workflows, perform and supervise experimental work, and contribute to process mapping, modelling, and techno-economic assessment. The position also includes scientific coordination across LMVGT, LVVC, partner laboratories, and an international consortium, along with responsibility for project reporting, milestone tracking, FAIR data management, and open science compliance. Applicants should hold a PhD in biotechnology, biomedical sciences, bioscience engineering, or a related discipline. The position specifically seeks experience in viral vector technology and bioprocess development, especially for retroviral vectors and VLPs, plus practical expertise in translating laboratory-scale production to preclinical-scale manufacturing. Experience with CRISPR-Cas editing, including knockout generation and validation, is required, while base/prime editing, endogenous tagging, and HDR-based knock-in are a strong advantage. Strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for this collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. The position is fully funded and full-time, linked to a three-year international grant cycle beginning in Q3 2026. Applications must be submitted via the KU Leuven portal. Candidates should provide a CV, motivation letter, and two references. The deadline is 2026-08-14 23:59 (Europe/Brussels). Contact persons listed are Anna Barber Janer and Rik Gijsbers. The project offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative research setting at the interface of molecular medicine, synthetic biology, and advanced gene therapy manufacturing.

KU Leuven’s LMVGT and ADVANTAGE labs are recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher in Advanced Viral Vector Technology & Bioprocess Development for a fully funded 3-year project starting in Q3 2026 . This opportunity is centered on gene therapy , viral vector technology , viral vector engineering , bioprocess development , lentiviral and retroviral vector production , virus-like particles (VLPs) , and CRISPR gene editing . The project aims to develop scalable manufacturing platforms that support rare disease modelling and next-generation gene therapy research. The position is based in Leuven, Belgium , within the Leuven Viral Vector Core (LVVC), which offers state-of-the-art viral vector production facilities and a highly collaborative, international, multidisciplinary research environment. Ideal candidates should have strong expertise in viral vector engineering and manufacturing, upstream and downstream bioprocess development, and advanced CRISPR technologies. The post is explicitly advertised as a postdoctoral opening and is described as fully funded. Interested applicants should follow the application link referenced in the post and apply through the linked portal. The post does not mention a deadline.