Research Manager in Gene Therapy

Job content

A research manager position is available in the team of Patrik Verstreken and Bart De Strooper at KU Leuven and VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research. The team is focused on Alzheimer’s disease research and is pioneering antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-based gene therapy to develop personalized treatments for patients with rare early-onset forms of the disease. The lab has extensive expertise in designing, optimizing, and validating ASO therapeutics, targeting disease-causing mutations with the potential to expand to other genes and neurodegenerative disorders. To support this expanding research line and ensure the efficient translation of ASO-based therapies toward clinical application, the group is seeking a highly motivated Research Manager with expertise in RNA-based therapeutics and project coordination to drive implementation, optimize workflows, and facilitate cross-functional collaborations.

Responsibilities

The role of the research manager encompasses high-level management of research projects, ensuring their successful progress and timely completion. This includes overseeing technological advancements in ASO therapeutics, fostering collaborative research efforts, and securing external funding to support innovation. The role also involves managing dissemination, networking, and administrative tasks. By integrating strategic leadership with scientific expertise, the Research Manager drives the development of cutting-edge gene therapies while aligning research objectives with broader organizational and industry goals. It is expected that the manager also will do significant fund raising by writing projects and coordinating joined grant applications.

Specifically You Will

• Lead preclinical and translational research efforts focused on ASO-based gene therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
• Oversee design, synthesis, and optimization of ASOs targeting disease-relevant genes. Drive innovation in ASO delivery strategies, particularly for CNS disorders.
• Manage and analyze preclinical models (in vitro and in vivo) to assess efficacy, biodistribution, and toxicity of ASOs.
• Lead and support a team of lab technicians, PhD students and postdocs, offering mentorship, guidance, support, and promoting a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Develop project plans, timelines and budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Collaborate with academic institutions, biotech/pharma partners, and contract research organizations (CROs) for advancing ASO therapeutics.
• Publish high-impact research in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific conferences.
• Provide scientific input on patent applications and intellectual property (IP) strategy related to ASO therapeutics.
• Assist in securing grants, funding and investment for ASO-based gene therapy programs.
  
  

Profile

• PhD in Neurosciences or related field with a minimum of 4 years post-doc experience in molecular biology, gene therapy and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Expertise in antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), including their development, screening, CNS-target delivery strategies (e.g. blood-brain barrier), and optimization for disease-specific targets.
• Strong technical skills in molecular biology (PCR, RT-PCR, western blotting, ELISA), iPS cell culture, primary neuron cultures and animal models (FELASA B certification).
• Leadership experience, including managing cross-functional teams and setting strategic goals.
• Experience with collaborating with external partners, such as CROs, academic institutions, and pharmaceutical companies, ideally in translational research.
• Excellent project management skills, including budgeting, resource allocation, and timeline management.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for delivering research findings to scientific communities, stakeholders, and non-scientific audiences.
• Proven ability to secure funding, with experience in grant writing, publications and patent applications.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Basic knowledge in regulatory processes and understanding the pre-clinical to clinical trial transition, including IND filings, safety evaluations, and clinical trial design will be considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is mandatory.
  
  

Offer

• An opportunity to work in a world-class research environment operating at an international level, and various opportunities to broaden your expertise.
• A state-of-the-art laboratory environment.
• A compensation package based on expertise and experience.
• An open-ended contract
• An extensive network of (inter)national contacts.
  
  

Interested?

Please apply through our online recruiting system.

Make Sure Your Application Includes

• A detailed CV
• A one-page motivation letter
  
  

For more information please contact Prof. Bart De Strooper, mail: bart.destrooper@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this job no later than March 10, 2025 via the online application tool

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

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