Location
Nevele, Belgium
About Us
The VIB Agro-Incubator is a dedicated research and innovation hub within VIB, designed to accelerate Agro Biotech solutions through advanced infrastructure and expert support. It supports academia, start-ups, SMEs and industry partners by providing access to ‑state‑of‑the‑art greenhouse facilities (≈3,500 m²), equipped laboratories (≈150 m²), office space, and a 2‑hectare field trial site.
In addition, the VIB Agro-Incubator offers expert support for the execution of precision spraying, digital phenotyping, abiotic stress trials and seed services.
As an integral part of the VIB ecosystem, it operates at the crossroads of research excellence and industrial applications, supporting climate resilient crops,, and emerging Agro Biotech innovations.
Through its combination of infrastructure, scientific expertise, and collaborative model, the VIB Agro-Incubator functions as an international catalyst for advancing cutting edge agricultural biotechnology and is well connected within the European network of peer facilities.
https://agro-incubator.sites.vib.be/
https://vib.be/
About The Role
We are seeking an inspiring and strategic Head of the VIB Agro-Incubator to lead the incubator into its next phase of growth. In this role, you will shape the long‑term strategy in close collaboration with VIB HQ, in both local and international contexts. You will build and foster strong partnerships with the VIB research Centers, Agro industry and academia in Flanders and Europe.
As Head of the VIB Agro-Incubator, you will lead a multidisciplinary team, ensuring project management, overseeing and controlling budgets, representing the VIB Agro-Incubator on conferences and being in charge of the scientific, infrastructural, and strategic activities that make the VIB Agro-Incubator a cornerstone of the Agro Biotech landscape in Flanders.
Key Responsibilities
Define and execute the strategic vision and roadmap of the VIB Agro‑Incubator, in close collaboration with the existing teams, VIB Technologies and VIB Innovation & Business (I&B), and the VIB Agro-Incubator Lead of Operations; hereby matching the current needs of the Agro-Biotech sector and the existing or future capabilities of the Agro-Incubator.
Lead and mentor the team to implement the VIB Agro-Incubator strategy.
Collaborate to establish novel partnerships through scientific and senior leadership through discussions with industry and start-ups and the VIB I&B team.
Build and strengthen partnerships with VIB Research Centers, Flemish and European academia and Institutes as well as sector partners around incubation and service projects
Cultivate a strong, customer‑focused mindset based on excellence and timely delivery of objectives within the team, using digitization and process optimization wherever possible
Build and foster a collaborative and open communication culture
Manage financial planning, reporting, and project portfolios
Represent the VIB Agro‑Incubator in regional, national, and international Agri‑tech initiatives
Collaborate with the VIB Agro‑Incubator Lead of Operations to ensure smooth operation of the site and team and strive to drive innovation.
Who we are looking for
A strategic leader with deep experience in plant science, the Agro Biotech ecosystem, research infrastructure, and/or innovation environments, preferably in an industrial environment.
Strong people manager with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, who sets clear direction and translates strategy into measurable outcomes
Long‑term value creator by building bridges between science, technology, and real‑world‑applications and by aligning different stakeholders around shared objectives
Industry experience in Agro‑Biotech or experience in the management of Agro Biotech research facilities is a strong plus
What we offer
Full‑time, indefinite contract with flexible working arrangements.
A competitive salary and benefits package
Work in an intellectually rich, mission‑driven environment.
Lead a strategically critical transformation.
Starting date: as soon as possible
How to apply
If you are passionate about shaping the future of sustainable agriculture and leading a high‑impact innovation hub, we’d‑ love to hear from you.
Please apply via the VIB online application portal: https://jobs.vib.be/j/132714/head-of-the-vib-agro-incubator.
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