Associate Scientist R&D

Associate Scientist R&D

argenx

Ghent, Belgium

We are looking for a highly hands-on and proactive Associate Scientist to join our R&D team at our facility in Ghent/Zwijnaarde. This is a strongly lab focused position, ideal for someone with 2–3 years of relevant experience who enjoys experimental work and is motivated to build deep technical expertise through long-term bench research.

The candidate is ready to take ownership of experiments end-to-end, thrives in a collaborative environment, and brings the confidence to drive day-to-day lab execution while contributing to data quality and timelines. This all happens in a dynamic, informal and stimulating environment where you and your colleagues work to reach the set goals.

Work description

Responsibilities:

• Independently plan, execute, and analyze laboratory experiments,
• Perform a range of molecular, biochemical, and immunological techniques, including PCR, SPR, ELISA, and SDS‑PAGE among others,
• Maintain accurate, detailed experimental records and report results clearly and consistently,
• Actively contribute to project teams by organizing daily lab work, setting priorities, and meeting agreed timelines,
• Troubleshoot experimental challenges and propose practical, creative solutions in close collaboration with colleagues,
• Process and analyze samples originating from pre‑clinical animal studies,
• Continuously learn new techniques and share hands-on expertise within the team.

Expertise & technical focus:

• Biochemical, immunological, and cellular assays
• Assay development and validation
• Molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Experimental work involving small molecules/peptides
• Experience with ELISA, SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance) and/or flow cytometry is considered a strong plus

Profile

• Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Biomedical, Molecular Biology, or a related field. Or Bachelor’s degree with equivalent years of experience,
• Typically 2–3 years of relevant industry experience in a hands-on lab role (biotech/pharma/CRO or similar),
• Demonstrated hands-on laboratory experience, with a track record of independently running and troubleshooting assays similar to those listed above, and delivering reproducible results with clear reporting,
• Strong interest in a long-term, lab-based role where bench work remains a core part of the position,
• Proactive, reliable, and precise in both execution and documentation; comfortable working with SOPs and evolving protocols,
• Team-oriented mindset with good communication skills, able to share results clearly within a project team,
• Fluent in written and spoken English,
• Prior experience with protein related work and biochemical assays is an advantage.