Lab Technician

We are looking for a highly motivated and talented lab technician to join our team at the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research which is focused on understanding the functional heterogeneity of myeloid cells (macrophages and dendritic cells) in health and disease (fibrosis, steatosis and cancer). The selected candidate will join the young and motivated international team of scientists of Prof. Charlotte Scott and will work alongside 8 PhD students and 6 postdocs, 2 wet-lab technicians and 2 computational experts.

This role involves working closely with the other members of the team on different projects (all focused on myeloid cells) to help with data generation and analysis. Therefore, we require a team player who also possesses the ability to work independently. The ideal candidate will have a background in both in vivo and in vitro experimental techniques, ideally with experience in flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. FELASA certification is essential.

• Collaborate with PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to probe macrophage functions across tissues using a range of novel mouse models, transcriptomics and epigenetics techniques, flow cytometry and spatial analyses.
• Perform in vivo experiments, including the handling, care, and manipulation of mice.
• Conduct in vitro experiments to support in vivo studies, including the culturing of challenging cells such as stem cells.
• Execute a variety of wet-lab experiments, including molecular biology techniques like PCR, qPCR, and Western blotting.
• Process mouse tissues (e.g. liver digestion and cell isolation), followed by downstream techniques such as flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and histology.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of experimental procedures, data, and results.
• Ensure compliance with all institutional and federal guidelines for animal care and use.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues that arise during experiments.
• Contribute to a collaborative and productive team environment, participating in regular team meetings and discussions.
• Adapt to the dynamic needs of the project, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Help with general lab duties including buffer preparation, genotyping and equipment maintenance.

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in biomedical, biochemical, biotechnological techniques or animal care (or related)
• FELASA B/C certificate
• Fluent in English, for both written and oral communication
• Experience working with mice including intravenous and intra peritoneal injections.
• Knowledge of working in a lab (health and safety)
• Previous experience working in a lab (placements during degree studies is sufficient)
• Basic computer skills (text processing, spreadsheet, presentations)
• Enthusiastic team player
• Basic understanding of immunology 

Desirable but not required

• Experience in molecular biology techniques
• Experience with in vitro work
• Experience with flow cytometry and confocal microscopy 

Key personal characteristics

• You are enthusiastic and curious about scientific research
• You like learning new techniques and want to stay at the technological forefront
• You are willing to participate in the general lab organisation
• You can work well in a team and independently
• You are accurate and critical of your work and its implementation
• You have a strong ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
• You enjoy other cultures and are respectful of others and their different ideas/opinions

• The ability to work on scientifically exceptional and high impact research topics
• Full or part-time (80%) appointment as a laboratory technician at VIB/UGent, a highly ranked research institute with a competitive pay scale and benefits (health insurance, sports facilities)
• A permanent position after an initial trial period
• A stimulating and supportive international research environment (with English as main language)
• State-of-the-art infrastructure
• A varied work schedule, with significant autonomy over how you plan your day
• An ability to progress in your work, taking on more technical and challenging tasks as you grow in your role
• Job is available immediately, starting date is negotiable
• Various training opportunities to broaden your skills

Motivated candidates are asked to apply online. Additional requirements:

• Please upload your full CV
• Please upload a motivation letter
• Please add the contact details of at least two references