Project Manager Training & Conferences

About VIB VIB is an entrepreneurial, non-profit research institute in life sciences, closely affiliated with five universities in Flanders. Our mission is to conduct groundbreaking strategic research that offers real-world solutions to citizens, patients, and farmers. Beyond research, VIB is dedicated to fostering knowledge-sharing through the Training & Conferences Program, offering a range of training, conferences, and personal development opportunities tailored to the needs of the scientific community.

About the VIB Training & Conferences Program The VIB Training & Conferences Program delivers high-quality, fully integrated training and personal development initiatives. Our offerings include modular training events, e-learning courses, specialized workshops, summer schools, international conferences, and customized development opportunities aimed at nurturing the skills of scientists across the globe.

Position Overview 

As a project manager, you will be responsible for the coordination and setup of the VIB conference series program, a well-established initiative attracting over 2,000 international participants annually. In addition, you will also manage the implementation of microcredentials—certified short-term learning experiences that should facilitate lifelong learning. Your role will be essential in ensuring a balanced, high-quality, and engaging program for both conferences and learning trajectories, contributing to VIB’s strategy of providing a platform for scientists at all career stages to learn, connect, and enhance their expertise.

Key Responsibilities 

Coordination VIB conference series program

• Set up and chair the organizing committees
• Ensure a balanced, qualitative and attractive program for each VIB conference
• Collaborate with the event officer for a successful execution of the conference
• Collaborate with the marketing officer and create content for marketing
• Monitor the quality via evaluations

Implementation and coordination of microcredentials

• Negotiation with stakeholders
• Conceptual implementation at VIB
• Development and coordination of the content of specific microcredentials.
• Support Grant writing for selected projects

Implement and coordinate strategic projects such as:

• Benchmark analysis of the Training & Conferences Program
• Coordinate the development of dashboards for reporting and evaluation results. Setup will be done in collaboration with VIB ICT team

Consultation with all stakeholders

• Consultation of all involved parties regarding the choice and setup of conference topics and learning trajectories
• Establish links with other similar organizations
• Collaborate with other HQ units (ICT, Finance, Communications...)

Qualifications

• Education: 
  • Master’s degree in life sciences or related field
• Technical & Scientific Expertise:
  • Experience in project management
  • Knowledge of research processes in (life) sciences
  • Knowledge of scientific conferences
  • Advanced knowledge of Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Skills & Attributes:
  • Capacity to think strategically
  • Capable of quickly gaining insight into new topics or research themes
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage projects efficiently
  • An eye for detail and accurate working methods
  • Diplomatic and mature, maintaining professionalism under pressure
  • Strong communication and networking skills

How to Apply Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online. For more information, please reach out to Evy Vierstraete, evy.vierstraete@vib.be