Ghent University Hospital is seeking a Head of CellGENTherapies.
CellGENTherapies is at the core of the development and production of advanced gene therapy, cell therapy, and tissue-based products, as well as prophylactic RNA vaccines for early-phase (Phase I) clinical studies. The focus is on small-batch production, including personalized therapeutics, within a strongly translational environment.
CellGENTherapies is part of the Department of Human Bodily Materials at Ghent University Hospital. To meet the rapidly increasing demand, a completely new GMP unit is being built and is expected to be operational in 2027. Its location on the Ghent University Hospital campus and its synergy with Ghent University strengthen the biotech cluster in Ghent.
CellGENTherapies GMP unit is governed by an advisory board composed of experts from Belgian centers, the biotech industry, and biomedical research funding bodies. In addition, there is a sounding board group consisting of user experts within Ghent University Hospital.
As Head of GMP unit, you will be responsible for further developing this unit as a bridge between fundamental research and clinical application (“bench to bedside”) including facilitating use of ATMP for reimbursed indications, both for internal researchers and external partners.
Your Responsibilities
Strategic and Scientific Leadership
- Develop a clear vision for ATMP development and GMP production within an academic hospital
- Position the unit as a reference center for early-phase ATMP production
- Facilitate the translation of research into clinical applications
GMP Production & Innovation
- Overall responsibility for the development and production of ATMPs for clinical research
- Ensure efficient and flexible production processes adapted to small-scale and patient-specific applications
- Stimulate innovation in production platforms and technologies
- Experience with patent applications and/or spin-offs is an added benefit
Translational Research & Collaboration
- Interact with researchers (Ghent University Hospital and external/international) to translate preclinical research into clinical trials
- Actively collaborate with academic groups, biotech companies, and clinical departments, for both company-driven studies and academic investigator-initiated trials, both nationally and internationally.
- Apply for funding for translational projects and clinical studies
Leadership & Organization
- Lead a multidisciplinary team (QA/QC, production, development)
- Foster a culture of quality, safety, and innovation
- Resource planning and budget management
Profile
- PhD in life sciences: medicine, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical sciences, or equivalent
- Extensive experience in a GMP environment
- Thorough knowledge of GMP regulations and ATMP-specific requirements or willing to acquire this.
- (Co-)author of high-impact scientific publications
- Proven track record in applying for and obtaining funding
- Being a medical doctor with experience in early-phase clinical studies (Phase I/II) and/or ATMP development and use is an asset
- Demonstrated leadership experience
- Affinity with translational research and innovation
Competencies
- Visionary and strategically strong in advanced therapies
- Able to build bridges between research, production, and clinical practice
- Strong stakeholder management skills (academic, clinical, industrial)
- Quality- and results-oriented
- Decisive with strong organizational skills
Offer
Head of a leading, state-of-the-art GMP unit with approximately twenty staff members and facilities for translational activities:
- Ongoing projects including cancer vaccines (personalized vaccines, RNA vaccines, dendritic cell vaccines, off-the-shelf vaccines), microbial vaccines, CAR-T cells, and multivirus-specific T cells
- Stimulating academic hospital environment, including an early-phase clinical trials unit (D.R.U.G.) and a vaccine research unit (CEVAC) and many departments conducting scientific research in cell therapy (medical oncology, pulmonary oncology, dermatological oncology, hematology, infectious diseases).
- An academic position within Ghent University
- Competitive salary package with additional benefits
- Opportunities for academic and professional growth
Interested?
Apply via the Ghent University Hospital website: https://jobs.uzgent.be/job/Arts-specialist-Hoofd-GMP-unit-CellGENTherapies/1432489033/.