Lab Technician

**Key Responsibilities**:

- 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.

**Profile**:
**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

**We offer**:

- 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

**How to apply?**:

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