Research Associate

Make your mark for patients

UCB aspires to be the patient-centric global biopharmaceutical leader transforming the lives of people living with severe diseases. We focus on central nervous system and immunology disorders. Our promise is to help tackle the serious unmet medical needs affecting patients around the globe. An important part of our philosophy is to take a holistic approach to patients, which aims to find solutions tailored to their circumstances.

To pursue a rich heritage in epilepsy, with over 20 years of experience in research and development of novel antiepileptic drugs, we are now building on our proven track record of innovative discovery approaches with a long-term commitment to epilepsy research. Our scientists are an integral part of the epilepsy community and pursue collaborative research with a broad network of academic leaders in the field.

We now have an exciting opportunity in the New Medicines department at our research site in Belgium, close to Brussels (Braine l’Alleud), for a research associate to join the epilepsy discovery group. This person will contribute to the evaluation of innovative disease-context specific treatment strategies with disease-modifying potential using in vitro models of epilepsy and molecular techniques.

You will contribute by:

• Demonstrating excellent technical and scientific skills for performing experimental studies within the framework of in vitro epilepsy models
• Carrying out the preparation, the maintenance and the electrophysiogical readout of organotypic hippocampal slice cultures model from rodent
• Designing and ensuring timely completion of the experimental studies.
• Being able to conduct laboratory experiments autonomously and to provide in-depth analysis and critical assessment of study data
• Ensuring a high level of technical quality and productivity
• Improving and contributing to develop in vitro epilepsy platforms in general according to the objectives in epilepsy research
• Ensuring excellent communication and interactions with the epilepsy group members, and with members of other functions in order to promote timely progress of studies and projects
• Ensuring appropriate training of students or new scientific staff members and post-docs by sharing technical expertise
• Ensuring that all studies are compliant with UCB and HSE guidelines
• Ensuring internal publication of experimental studies according to UCB guidelines
• Presenting UCB research activities at internal and external scientific meetings and contribute to the writing of scientific publications

Interested? For this position you’ll need the following education, experience and skills:

• Master level in Biology, with significant knowledge in neuroscience, epilepsy, electrophysiology and neuropharmacology
• Significant experience with electrophysiological tools (local field potential, multielectrode array), molecular biology techniques, immunological assays (Elisa, WB), brain slice culture
• Experience in immunohistochemistry and primary neuronal culture is a plus
• Excellent skills with informatic tools (eg MS office applications)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in English is essential; French is a plus
• Proactive, creative and enterprising attitude
• Strong work ethic and motivation
• European certificate for experimenting from animals (FELASA or similar) is required

Applications should include a CV and cover letter describing your motivation and experience, as well as the name of two referees and the date from which you would be available.

For additional questions regarding the position you can contact Isabelle Niespodziany, PhD, Principal Scientist (Isabelle.niespodziany@ucb.com).

Are you ready to ‘go beyond’ to create value and make your mark for patients? If this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

About us
UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company, focusing on neurology and immunology. We are around 8,500 people in all four corners of the globe, inspired by patients and driven by science.

Why work for us?
At UCB, we don’t just complete tasks, we create value. We aren’t afraid to push forward, collaborate, and innovate to make our mark for patients. We have a caring, supportive culture where everyone feels included, respected and has equitable opportunities to do their best work. We ‘go beyond’ to create value for our patients, and always with a human focus, whether that’s on our patients, our employees or our planet. Working for us, you will discover a place where you can grow, and have the freedom to carve your own career path to achieve your full potential.

Learn more about sustainability at UCB and how it is integrated into our business approach.

UCB and its subsidiaries encourage diversity and inclusion in the workplace; we are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race/colour/religion/sex/national origin/veteran/disability/age/sexual orientation/gender identity.