Ghent University Research Assistant: Organic & Macromolecular Chemistry (Biomaterial Medical Device), Ghent, Belgium

Ghent University is hiring one Research Assistant on a 1-year contract in the Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, in Ghent, Belgium. Applicants need a Master’s degree. Applications close on 06 November 2026 at 23:59 (Brussels Time).

Job Details

Company: Ghent University

Faculty: Faculty of Sciences

Department: WE07 – Organische en Macromoleculaire Chemie

Location: Ghent, Belgium

Occupancy rate: 100%

Number of positions: 1

Type of employment: Contract of limited duration

Term of assignment: 1 jaar (1 year)

Wage scale: WM1 to WM4 (master degree)

Required diploma: Master

Experience: Early-career Master’s Research Assistant, 1-year contract (WM1–WM4). Freshers eligible at Master entry.

Project Details

The project is a translational research initiative bringing together clinical, scientific and valorisation expertise to develop an innovative solution for advanced sinus surgery. The project is led by Prof. Thibaut Van Zele (Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ghent University Hospital), Prof. Peter Dubruel (Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Group, Ghent University). The interdisciplinary team combines internationally recognised expertise in sinus surgery, biomaterials and polymer technologies, complemented by dedicated expertise in business development and technology valorisation. This collaborative environment supports the translation of scientific innovations into clinically relevant and commercially viable medical technologies.

Job Description

You will contribute to the further development and preclinical validation of an innovative biomaterial-based medical device, with a focus on translating existing research outcomes towards clinical application. Working within an interdisciplinary team of polymer scientists, engineers and clinicians, you will focus on formulation optimisation, material characterisation and experimental validation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and optimise polymer formulations using existing, ready-to-use building blocks, with a focus on reproducibility, performance and processability.
  • Characterise the physicochemical properties of the formulations, including rheological behaviour, solidification kinetics and mechanical performance.
  • Incorporate active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) into the formulations and investigate their distribution and release profiles under physiologically relevant conditions.
  • Investigate the impact of different sterilisation methods on material properties and performance.
  • Collaborate with external engineering partners to evaluate and optimise prototype designs.
  • Conduct biocompatibility assessments in accordance with relevant ISO 10993 standards.
  • Contribute to the development of experimental protocols, technical documentation and planning of upcoming in vivo validation studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • You hold a Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, biotechnology or a related field.
  • You have a strong interest in biomaterials, drug delivery systems and medical device development.

Required Skills

  • You have strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Knowledge of Dutch is an asset.
  • A qualification in laboratory animal science (proefdierkunde), particularly for preparing and submitting ethical applications for animal experiments, is a strong asset.

How to Apply

Official apply URL: https://jobs.ugent.be/job/Ghent-Research-assistent-9000/1376285257/

Application deadline: 06 November 2026, 23:59 (Brussels Time)

About Ghent University

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION / APPLY ONLINE

Apply before 06 November 2026 at 23:59 (Brussels Time) through the official apply URL above.