Research Technologist (29024)

Karlstad University; Gent; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading European University in Ghent is offering a technical support position to contribute to molecular-genetic research on host-symbiont interactions. The role includes maintaining a reference genotype panel, supporting experiments, and characterizing symbiont-mediated phenotypes. Candidates should have a bachelor's diploma in laboratory techniques and a strong background in molecular biology and entomology. This position includes flexible working options and extensive benefits.

Prestations

36 vacation days

Flexible working hours

Public transport reimbursement

Training and development opportunities

Work-life balance

Sports offers at favorable prices

Qualifications

• Strong methodological background in molecular biology and entomology.
• Previous training in mite husbandry and Wolbachia research is advantageous.
• Good communication and organizational skills.

Responsabilités

• Maintain reference genotype panel of Tetranychus mites.
• Support transinfection experimentation.
• Genotype host-symbiont interactions using sequencing technology.

Connaissances

Methodological background in molecular biology

Entomology

Proficiency in English

Knowledge of Dutch

Formation

Bachelor's diploma in laboratory techniques

Description du poste

Ghent University is one of the top 100 universities in the Dutch language area, with more than 44,000 students and 15,000 staff members.

• Function class: B
• Occupancy rate: 50% - contract of indefinite duration
• Applications can be submitted until 18-10-2025 (DD/MM/YYYY)

We are offering a technical support position to help unravel the molecular-genetic mechanisms of host-symbiont interactions and develop novel pest control strategies. Endosymbiotic bacteria such as Wolbachia commonly infect arthropods and can spread rapidly through host populations by inducing reproductive phenotypes. Many of these symbiont-induced phenotypes are of interest for the development of novel pest management strategies. However, the strength of these symbiont-mediated phenotypes varies widely across biological systems and numerous hypotheses have been put forward to explain the underlying mechanisms. You will contribute to resolving the genetic, molecular, and biochemical mechanisms that shape host-symbiont interactions, experiments with a direct view on societal applications such as pest control. The successful applicant will be hosted within the Terrestrial Ecology group, Department of Biology, Ghent University. They will work within a dynamic and complementary research team. The position is expected to start between October and December 2025. This research technologist position is embedded within an ERC Starting Grant (HYBRIPEST).

• You will help to maintain our reference genotype panel of Tetranychus mites and other agricultural pests
• You will support transinfection experimentation
• You will genotype host-symbiont interactions using short-read and long-read sequencing technology
• You will help to characterize and quantify symbiont-mediated phenotypes in upcoming genetic model systems
• You will help to establish genetic mutants of our model systems (using CRISPR)

For more information about the job content, you can contact prof. Nicky Wybouw via [e-mail] or 09 264 5224 (Please note: do not send your application via email - apply online instead)

Your profile

Knowledge and experience

• You have a strong methodological background in molecular biology and entomology
• Previous training in mite husbandry, Wolbachia research, and molecular biology techniques will be seen as an advantage
• A strong proficiency in English (both written and spoken) is required
• Preferably, you have knowledge of Dutch (and are willing to further develop your skills)

Skills and attitudes

• You are highly motivated and driven to perform state-of-the-art research
• You are willing to provide technical support to ongoing research, learn novel lab techniques and apply these independently
• You are a team player
• You have good communication skills. You communicate your findings in a transparent and accessible way to all team members
• You are a fast learner, practical and precise. You work in a detailed and focused manner, and are able to meet deadlines
• You have strong planning and organizational skills and a flexible attitude

What do we offer you?

You will be employed with a contract of indefinite duration in function class B. Read more about our remuneration on our website .

Ghent University strongly focuses on the career development of its employees. You will have opportunities to discover other roles and gain new experiences within Ghent University (both temporary and permanent).

In addition, you will receive:

• 36 vacation days (for full-time employment of 38 hours/week)
• the possibility of working from home and flexible working hours if your job allows it
• reimbursement of your public transport subscription and/or a bicycle allowance for commuting
• an extensive training and development offer and ample internal career opportunities
• a good work-life balance
• our benefits platform 'benefits at work' and a number of other benefits such as an extensive sports offer at favorable prices, discount rate in the student restaurants, free flu vaccination, etc.

Interested?

To apply for this vacancy, you must have abachelor's diploma (preferably in laboratory techniques).

Submit the following documents no later than 18-10-2025 at 11:59 PM:

• Your CV
• A copy of your diploma
• If you obtained your diploma outside the European Union (except for diplomas obtained in the United Kingdom before January 31, 2020): an equivalence certificate from NARIC (www.naric.be)

Note: your application is only valid if you have the required diploma at the time of application, and you provide us with all the above-mentioned documents before the application deadline.

We believe it is important that everyone can participate in the selection process under the best conditions. Do you have a disability? Please let us know in advance via [e-mail] so that we can provide reasonable accommodations.

More questions about applying online or the selection procedure? Check our FAQ .

Published

2025-09-19

2025-10-18 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
2025-10-18 23:59 (CET)

Closing on: 2025-10-20 (Europe/Brussels)

Closing on: 2025-10-21 (Europe/Brussels)

Closing on: 2025-10-14 (Europe/Brussels)

Closing on: 2025-10-31 (Europe/Brussels)

Closing on: 2025-10-26 (Europe/Brussels)