Within the van Heesch group we are seeking a highly enthusiastic, skilled, and organized research technician to join our research team. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work within a highly specialized cancer research center in an interdisciplinary and multicultural environment, with the mission to cure every child with cancer, with optimal quality of life.
The position
As a research technician you will work in close collaboration with other lab members toward our global aim of better understanding RNA translation and microprotein functionality in childhood cancer. Your primary responsibility will be the isolation of ribosome-bound RNA from solid tumor tissue biopsies or organoid cultures, and the subsequent preparation of Ribo-seq libraries. As Research Technician you will also be responsible for the logistics and maintenance of the laboratory as well as equipment and supplies. You will be conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to the development of a wide range of molecular technologies. Lastly, you will have the opportunity to assist multiple PhD students and postdocs with their projects, and actively participate in research meetings and group discussions.
Your qualifications
- A completed HLO, BSc, MSc in biomedical sciences, molecular/cellular biology, or an equivalent thereof, and a clear interest in pre-clinical cancer research.
- Knowledge of, or experience with sequencing library preparation is a must. Experience with other molecular techniques incl. RNA isolation, PAGE purifications, Western blots, cell/organoid culture, and ribosome profiling is a pre.
- Self-initiative, eagerness to learn and motivated by delivering high quality output.
- Well-organized and willing to execute organizational and lab management tasks.
- Strong organizational skills and structured reporting of results are absolutely essential.
- Precise and accurate in the execution of experiments, data interpretation, and in the documentation of the results.
- Ability to work with several projects in parallel and adjust priorities appropriately.
- Good communication and problem-solving skills.
- Team player with a collaborative and curious mindset but also capable of working independently.
- Professional business level English language skills, both written and verbal.
Our job offer
We offer a full-time position based on 36 hours per week. You will initially be contracted for a period of 1 year, after which your performance will be evaluated, and the contract may be extended for three more years. Your gross monthly salary will depend on experience and background, maximum scale 45, with 8.33% holiday allowance and 8.33% end of year bonus. The Princess Máxima Center operates according to the collective labor agreement ‘cao algemene ziekenhuizen’.
The Princess Máxima Center
The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology is a research hospital concentrating healthcare, research and education with regard to cancer in children in a single location in Utrecht. The institute aims to provide the highest level of care for all children with cancer and has the ambition to cure all children of cancer and significantly reduce unwanted side effects. The center brings together the best possible care and scientific research, creating a unique interdisciplinary institute for pediatric oncology in Europe.
The Van Heesch Group
The van Heesch group, established in 2020, currently consists of more than 15 people, including PhD students, postdocs, research technicians, bioinformaticians, and interns. We combine wet lab and computational work and offer support in both directions. Our projects are centered around the discovery of new translated open reading frames and their protein products through RNA-seq, ribosome profiling, and proteomics across various tumor entities. We value diversity and inclusivity, fostering an open and welcoming working atmosphere with a healthy work-life balance. Our group frequently organizes social events and ensures international team members feel welcome.
Applying for this position?
Are you excited about this position? We are looking forward to meeting you! You can apply until November 17 directly by clicking on the orange button on this page. We invite you to apply as soon as possible, since we will close the vacancy when we have found a suitable candidate.
Please provide:
- an up-to-date resume/CV
- a short motivation letter describing your background and interests
For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Ana Lopes. Ana will be happy to tell you more!
Acquisition as a result of this vacancy is not appreciated.
Apply now