Lab Technician — iPSC Microglia and Lab Operations

The Mancuso lab studies microglia — the resident immune cells of the brain — and their role in neurodegenerative disease. We generate microglia from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), apply them in disease-relevant model systems, and use them to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and ALS.

We are recruiting a lab technician to support both our experimental work and the day-to-day operation of the lab. The position combines hands-on tissue culture and bench support for iPSC microglia differentiations with responsibility for inventory, ordering, and supplier management. Both sides of the role are essential to keep our research moving.

• Bench support. Maintain sterile tissue culture, prepare media and reagents, and support iPSC microglia differentiations, including passaging, freezing, and thawing.
• Routine laboratory techniques. Pipetting, dilutions, buffer preparation, and basic molecular biology in support of ongoing experiments.
• Inventory management. Maintain an accurate, well-organized stock of consumables, cytokines, media, and reagents, and ensure critical supplies are always available.
• Ordering and supplier liaison. Place orders, track deliveries, manage quotes, and resolve issues with suppliers promptly.
• Process improvement. Contribute to the design and refinement of our inventory and ordering systems. This is a newly created position, with scope to shape how it operates.

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, or a related field. We encourage bachelor’s students that completed their studies at a Hogeschool to apply.
• Demonstrated experience with sterile tissue culture is required, including confident use of a laminar flow hood and sound aseptic technique.
• Solid grounding in routine laboratory techniques, including pipetting, cell counting, dilutions, buffer preparation, and basic molecular biology.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the discipline to keep accurate records and a well-maintained workspace.
• Comfortable working with digital tools, including ordering platforms, inventory systems, and standard office software.
• A proactive, reliable team member with good communication skills and a constructive approach to problem-solving.
• Considered an asset: prior experience with iPSCs or other stem cell systems, microglia or immune cell biology, or establishing lab inventory and ordering workflows.

• A one-year contract with extension after positive evaluation.
• Full reimbursement for public transport commuting.
• Bike allowance if you commute by bicycle.
• Eco-cheques as part of our benefits package.
• A generous annual leave policy, including additional collective leave during the university’s closure between Christmas and New Year.
• A varied position combining bench work, lab operations, and process design, with genuine scope to shape the role.
• A position within VIB, one of Europe’s leading life-sciences institutes, working on disease-relevant human microglia.
• Opportunities to develop your technical skills in iPSC culture, differentiations, and downstream assays as you grow with the lab.
• A collaborative, scientifically engaged team and a supportive working environment.

Please apply via the VIB online career platform (https://jobs.vib.be/apply/135532 ) with your CV and a brief motivation letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the position.

In case of questions, don't hesitate to reach out to [email protected] .

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