Intellectual Property (Internship)

Job content

Are you passionate about life sciences? Excited by smart ideas, bold inventions, and the challenge of making complex wording crystal clear? Ever wondered how a “crazy” spark in the lab turns into something real for patients and consumers? If your answer is “yes!”, then we want you on our team! Join us for a 12 months internship in IP and discover the world of intellectual property (IP): learn how to validate new inventions, gain hands-on-experience in drafting and filing patents, and explore competitive intelligence while sharpening your analytical and argumentative skills.

Only bring your curiosity, and we’ll bring the know-how. Let’s turn ideas into impact — together!

About VIB

VIB is an entrepreneurial research institute in life sciences that focuses on basic science and translating scientific results into pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial applications. VIB’s Innovation & Business team manages a portfolio of +280 patent families and looks for partnering deals with the industry in a pro-active and creative way.  VIB is also firmly rooted in a long-standing tradition of setting up start-up companies. Since its foundation in 1996, VIB has created >40 new ventures. VIB is funded by the Flemish government and works in close partnership with five Flemish universities – Ghent University, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and Hasselt University. The link between basic research and valorisation has made VIB a catalyst for the ever-growing biotech hotspot in Flanders.

VIB’s Innovation & Business (I&B) team consists of IP, business development, new venture and discovery sciences professionals supported by a skilled administrative and paralegal team. With highly complementary expertise, the team collaborates closely to maximize the value of the institute’s scientific breakthroughs.

Function

We are looking for a highly motivated and proactive colleague with proven maturity in a professional setting and a strong scientific background in the life sciences. In this role, you will support the translation of research into IP protection for VIB’s scientific innovations. You will work closely with VIB IP managers to analyse novel opportunities across a wide range of scientific topics. Your responsibilities will include assessing the patentability and commercial potential of new technical findings, assisting in preparing and drafting patent filings, and supporting the development of IP strategies. You will also communicate with VIB researchers to give feedback on their inventions.

Profile

Who you are:

• You hold a PhD in biotechnology/life sciences
• You are passionate about science and excited by new discoveries across diverse fields, including biomedical research, microbiology, plant sciences, and bioinformatics. You are not afraid to dive deep into the biological context and mechanisms
• Preferably you have a basic understanding of intellectual property and patents, ideally you have taken part in a course on technology transfer or valorisation
• You are fluent in English, both oral and written
• You are well organised, a good communicator
• You have strong analytical skills, you like deskwork
• You are diplomatic and have a hands-on mentality
• You are resilient and are capable to adapt to changing situations

We offer

• A one-year internship
• A creative and dynamic scientific culture with a great drive towards innovation
• A professional and stimulating work environment where colleagues take full ownership of projects and guide them to success in a creative way
• Support and training from IP managers and the greater Innovation and Business team
• Various opportunities to broaden your expertise and develop your career
• An industry-standard compensation package commensurate with expertise and experience

How to apply?

Motivated candidates are asked to apply online. Deadline for application: 15 October 2025.