HR Officer (80–100%)

About VIBVIB is an entrepreneurial, non-profit research institute in life sciences, closely affiliated with the universities in Flanders. Our mission is to push the frontiers of knowledge in the life sciences and translate the gained insights and scientific breakthroughs into real-world solutions for citizens, patients, and farmers. About HRAt VIB HQ, we are a team of 12 passionate and dedicated HR professionals in payroll and people & culture roles committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and empowering workplace for our 2. 000 colleagues. Our mission is to celebrate diversity, respect individuality, and create an environment where every employee can thrive.

Together we cover the employee lifecycle from attracting and recruiting top scientists, to developing them, ensuring they are engaged, managing issues around being an expat, etc. and by embracing the unique perspectives and talents of our collaborators, we contribute to VIB’s growth as an innovative institute and ensure it remains a place where everyone feels valued and supported. Job DescriptionVIB HR is looking for an 80% – 100% HR Officer to join our dynamic team.

Are you a structured, hands-on HR professional who enjoys making things happen? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy supporting meaningful HR initiatives? Then you might be the person we’re looking for!As HR Officer, you will work closely with the HR team and other stakeholders and play a key role in supporting a variety of strategic and soft HR topics across the organization. You will be based at VIB Headquarters in Ghent (Zwijnaarde).

Your role and responsibilitiesContribute to soft HR and strategic organizational HR initiatives providing hands on support particularly in areas that shape organizational culture and change - such as employee engagement and well-being. You’ll also assist in preparing and following up on surveys, contribute to DE&I and leadership initiatives, and through your work you’ll help foster a positive work culture. Support HR administrative projects, for example we are working on ensuring fair, transparent and motivating role definitions through job classification. This is a project where we would like you to play a role. Coordinate the recruitment processes:

sit in the driver’s seat and support hiring managers and the HR team in organizing and streamlining recruitment activities through our recruitment platform. Design and deliver internal workshops: help design and deliver small-scale workshops and info sessions to internal (scientific) staff on HR topics such as recruitment practices, onboarding, feedback culture. ProfileIdeally, you hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in human resources, psychology, or a related field, and have relevant experience in HR, organizational development, or people-focused change management. You are highly organized, detail-oriented, and enjoy bringing structure to dynamic environments.

You thrive in a complex and sometimes unpredictable working environment, where the multi-stakeholder and dynamic nature of the organization means that no two days are the same You are a strong team player who communicates clearly and works collaboratively. You are proactive, reliable, and have a can-do mentality in delivering high-quality work. As VIB has an international workforce (41% internationals), we expect you to be able to work well in English, and written and spoken Dutch is an advantage. We offerAt VIB, we believe in empowering our people to thrive.

You will be part of a supportive and collaborative HR team and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the careers and experiences of VIB’s diverse workforce. In Addition, We OfferA 80 – 100%, permanent contract for long-term career growth Flexibility to work in a way that fits your life, supported by flexible working hours and possibility to work from home. Opportunities to learn, grow, and advance your career. We encourage training for professional growth and every employee is entitled to at least five days of learning per year.

At VIB, we care about our people and we believe little things can make a difference. You’ll work in a modern building with a beautiful view, you’ll find free coffee, fresh fruit, and soup waiting for you in our offices. You will also have the option to join weekly lunchtime sport initiatives.

And of course a competitive salary in line with market rates for similar HR roles in the non-profit/research sector, that matches your skills and experience How to apply?If you’re ready to bring your energy, structure, and collaborative spirit to our team, we’d love to hear from you! We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway - you might be just the right candidate. Interested candidates are invited to apply online.

Please use the VIB application tool to submit your application. Applications by mail will not be considered. Please ensure your application (in English or Dutch) includes the following documents: your cover/motivation letter your CV Candidates can expect initial feedback on their application (CV review) by the end of the second week of September. First-round interviews will be scheduled during the third and fourth week of September. For more information, please reach out to Veerle Bogaert. We want to ensure all candidates have every opportunity to shine.

Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make sure the recruitment process works for you.