Research technician Sequence facility

Job description

As a research technician you will assist in the development of novel NGS methods, in manual and automated sample preparation for various applications and in troubleshooting of established methods if needed. At the same time, you will perform weekly assigned lab jobs (e.g. maintaining inventory, equipment maintenance, data entry, etc.), diligently and accurately keep records and report results to team leads, supervisors, as necessary.

Finally, you will contribute to writing, amending, and reviewing SOPs, lab worksheets and validation reports. You will be part of a young and enthusiastic group that works closely with the Functional Genomics Center team.

Working environment

The European Research Institute for the Biology of Aging (ERIBA) is a research institute at the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), in Groningen, the Netherlands. The mission of ERIBA is to better understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie age-related decline and age-related diseases. We aim to develop novel strategies to prevent or combat age-related diseases and to provide evidence-based recommendations for healthy ageing. Our research teams and facilities work with different model systems and (beyond-) state-of-the-art technology platforms and share their knowledge and expertise to accelerate discoveries. ERIBA is part of the central UMCG campus in the vibrant university city Groningen, in the north of the Netherlands and offers a highly international environment with more than half of the employees being non-Dutch.

One of the ERIBA-based research infrastructures is the UMCG Research Sequencing Facility, an expertise center for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies. We facilitate sequencing of NGS libraries either prepared by research groups themselves or by the facility on behalf of the researcher. Furthermore, the Research Sequencing Facility (co)develops and implements new state-of-the-art NGS techniques used in medicine and life sciences research. Finally, we advise researchers on the design of their NGS experiments and train researchers in the production of NGS libraries if they prefer to do this themselves. The Research Sequencing Facility is part of the ERIBA Technology Center, that furthermore encompasses the Functional Genomics Center, with whom we closely collaborate. We are currently looking for a research technician for the Research Sequencing Facility to strengthen our team.

What do we need

The position requires the knowledge and skills normally acquired through completion of a BSc or MSc in Life Sciences (Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics). We are looking for someone who has extensive experience with a wide variety of state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques. Experience with NGS is desirable, but not mandatory. You are familiar with (automatic) lab registration and office applications.

You can work independently but can also function well in dynamic teams, you are flexible (also with respect to working hours) and not afraid to troubleshoot and you do not mind carrying out routine tasks from time to time. Finally, as you interact with customers, you have excellent communication skills as wel as a customer-minded attitude.

The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. The UMCG can provide you with the vaccination, should it be required for your position. In case of specific professions a ‘Certificate of Good Conduct’ is required.

What do we offer

We offer a position for 1 year for 28 hours a week. Your salary will be a maximum of € 3.923 gross per month (scale 7), depending on your qualifications and relevant experience, based on a full-time appointment. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

For questions about the position

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