H.U.B - Professor in Immuno-Oncology - Full-time (h/f/x)
About the Jules Bordet Institute:
The Jules Bordet Institute is an internationally recognized Comprehensive Cancer Center and the only integrated multidisciplinary academic hospital in Belgium exclusively dedicated to cancer diagnosis and treatment. Established in 1939, the Institute has a storied history of excellence in oncology, boasting two Nobel Prize winners, Jules Bordet and Albert Claude, in its illustrious past.
The Institute is renowned for pioneering cancer research, advanced patient care, and outstanding oncology education and training. For example, it created the first breast clinic in Europe in 1986 and notably, it played a key role in the development of Herceptin, a drug that significantly improves the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. Researchers at the Institute have also contributed to pivotal cancer genomics studies, such as identifying new biomarkers for breast cancer prognosis and treatment. Additionally, the Institute’s work on immunotherapy has led to innovative approaches in the treatment of various solid tumors, advancing the field of personalized cancer therapy.
As a member of the Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), the Institute benefits from collaboration with the general academic Erasme Hospital and the Queen Fabiola Children’s University Hospital, enhancing its comprehensive approach to healthcare. However, the Jules Bordet Institute remains at the forefront of cancer research and treatment, driven by its cutting-edge facilities and the expertise of its world-class medical professionals. The Institute also benefits from unique academic trials promoting team and an exceptional clinical trial support unit for the coordination and data management of (sometimes very large) international phase III trials and phase I-II trials.
Our unique location near the Faculty of Medicine offers a vibrant and stimulating scientific environment featuring 8 state-of-the-art research laboratories, including Prof. Sotiriou’s lab dedicated to translational breast cancer genomic research. Additionally, the proximity to renowned laboratories such as Prof. Blanpain’s Stem Cell Biology, Prof. Fuks’s Cancer Epigenetics laboratories, along with the European Plotkin Institute for Vaccinology, enriches our collaborative research landscape.
The Jules Bordet Institute is equipped with 250 conventional hospitalization beds, 172 single rooms, and 43 day-hospitalization beds. The Institute also features a New Drug/Treatment Unit with 12 beds specifically dedicated to phase I oncology studies, underscoring our commitment to pioneering cancer treatment. As part of the H.U.B, which has a capacity of 1420 hospital beds and employs over 6000 staff members, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services, excellence in training, and groundbreaking research.
Position overview:
We are seeking a full-time Professor in Immuno-Oncology to join our prestigious Institute. This position is equivalent to the Full Professor level and is open to candidates holding an MD and Ph.D. degree. The primary objective is to establish a comprehensive research program spanning from bedside to bench to bedside, focusing on investigating the mechanisms of action of immunotherapies in cancer patients. This entails collaborating with basic immunologists, translational researchers, and clinical oncologists to develop innovative immunotherapeutic strategies.
Of utmost importance, the successful candidate will benefit from the support of the Association Jules Bordet, a caritative association dedicated to advancing scientific endeavors of Bordet research teams. This partnership will provide crucial backing for the development and execution of the research programs envisioned.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Develop an innovative research program in immune-oncology: Establish a cutting-edge human cancer immunology research program in collaboration with internal and external clinicians at the H.U.B, focusing on discovering and developing new therapeutic strategies.
- Clinical practice and drug development: Under the responsibility of the head of medical oncology, engage in part-time oncology clinical practice and actively participate in drug development within the clinical research department, ensuring direct application of research findings.
- Led the Molecular Immunology Laboratory (MIU): Spearheaded research programs in immune-oncology focused on solid tumors, leveraging the lab’s existing functionality for direct clinical applications.
- Collaborate with the New Drug/Treatment Unit: Utilize opportunities to collaborate with the New Drug/Treatment Unit for further research endeavors and innovative treatment.
- Mentor and supervise: Mentor and supervise young researchers, master's, doctoral, and postgraduate students. Contribute to teaching medical and science students and bring your research group if applicable.
- Secure research funding: Identify and secure funding from competitive external grant bodies, including ERC, Welbio, FNRS, European funds, and regional grants, to sustain and expand research programs.
- Enhance institutional life: Contribute to the institute's administrative and academic functions, enhancing its overall institutional life and fostering a collaborative research environment.
Required Skills:
- Educational background: MD & PhD Degree in biological or biomedical sciences, medicine, or pharmaceutical sciences, with a focus on immunology.
- Research experience: Minimum of 8 years of direct and relevant basic/translational research experience in cancer immunology, with a preference for expertise in B and T cell biology, immune-oncology, or related fields.
- Strong Immunology foundation: Comprehensive understanding of immunology, including the role of immune responses in human pathologies, with a strategic emphasis on developing innovative therapies.
- Leadership and track record: Demonstrated leadership capabilities and an outstanding scientific track record, with evidence of high-quality original research.
- Language proficiency: Proficiency in scientific English, with the ability to communicate in French/Dutch with patients. Teaching proficiency in French is required after a few years.
- Personal qualities: attributes such as reactivity, proactivity, curiosity, rigor and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Collaboration and Networking: proven ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to drive research innovation and clinical application.
Our Offer:
- Full-time permanent contract by the H.U.B
- Competitive salary with additional benefits, including relocation assistance, research funding opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art facilities
- Personal Account: allocating a personal account for professional expenses such as a company car, conference participation, and other professional expenditures.
- Leave entitlements: 24 days of legal leave, 6 extra-legal days, and 12 scientific leave days per year.
Interested? Please submit your CV and cover letter.
