Laboratory Associate / Associate Scientist - Molecular Biology and RT-qPCR

Black Swans Exist GmbH; København; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Marker Diagnostics in Copenhagen is seeking a Laboratory Associate to support molecular biomarker discovery and diagnostic assay development. The role emphasizes accurate bench work, thorough documentation, and adherence to established protocols in a fast-paced development lab.

Ideal candidates have hands-on molecular biology experience, a structured approach, and a strong attention to detail. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply; there is ample opportunity to learn and grow within our

Qualifications

• MSc in molecular biology or related field; recent PhD or lab tech background accepted.
• Experience with PCR/qPCR and RNA/DNA extraction.
• Able to work independently after training; keep accurate records.
• Strong attention to detail and precise pipetting.
• Structured, organized lab habits with clear sample traceability.
• Willingness to learn and troubleshoot with the team.

Responsibilities

• Perform RNA extraction and RT-qPCR.
• Process human-derived samples (saliva, buccal swabs, plasma, urine).
• Prepare and pipette samples and reagents accurately.
• Document experiments in electronic lab notebook.
• Maintain sample traceability and organize materials.
• Follow SOPs and QMS documentation.
• Troubleshoot deviations with colleagues.
• Communicate results and progress to the team.
• Potential exposure to NGS workflows.

Skills

Molecular biology

PCR/qPCR

RNA extraction

Pipetting precision

Documentation

Independent work

Quality systems

Team communication

Education

MSc in molecular biology

Tools

ELN experience

SOP familiarity

QMS knowledge

Job description

Laboratory Associate / Associate Scientist - Molecular Biology and RT-qPCR

Are you at your best when laboratory work is accurate, organized and carefully documented?

Marker Diagnostics is looking for a hands-on laboratory colleague to expand the capacity of our molecular diagnostics development laboratory in Copenhagen. This is an execution-focused role in which you will perform and document molecular biology workflows, process biological samples and help ensure that experiments are completed consistently and reliably.

We are open to recent graduates, and previous industry experience is not required. What matters most is a strong practical foundation in molecular biology, careful laboratory habits and the ability to keep track of samples, protocols and details.

The role

You will take ownership of day-to-day bench work and support our biomarker discovery and molecular diagnostic assay development activities.

Once trained in our workflows, you should be comfortable planning and completing your laboratory tasks independently. You follow protocols precisely, document your work thoroughly and speak up when an instruction, observation or result does not make sense.

Accuracy and reliability at the bench are the primary priorities. Scientific curiosity and the ability to troubleshoot are highly valued, when combined with a disciplined and structured approach to laboratory work.

What you will do

• Perform hands-on molecular biology laboratory work, particularly RNA extraction and RT-qPCR.
• Process human-derived samples such as saliva, buccal swabs, plasma and urine.
• Prepare and pipette samples and reagents accurately, including work with microtiter plates and small volumes.
• Prepare, execute and document experiments in the electronic laboratory notebook.
• Maintain clear sample traceability and keep laboratory materials and workflows organized.
• Prepare reagents and support equipment maintenance and routine quality control.
• Follow established protocols, SOPs and documentation practices within our Quality Management System.
• Identify unexpected observations or deviations and help troubleshoot them together with colleagues.
• Communicate results, progress and potential issues clearly to the team.
• Potentially gain exposure to NGS workflows and other molecular diagnostic technologies.

What we are looking for

• A relevant laboratory-based education, for example an MSc in molecular biology, biotechnology, biomedicine or a related discipline. A recent PhD or laboratory technician background may also be relevant.
• Practical experience with molecular biology techniques, including PCR or qPCR and DNA or RNA extraction.
• Your experience may come from a thesis project, PhD, academic laboratory or industry position.
• Strong attention to detail and a consistent, accurate approach to pipetting and sample handling.
• A structured working style and the ability to keep track of multiple samples, steps and records.
• The ability to work independently after appropriate training and to take responsibility for completing assigned laboratory work.
• A careful approach to protocols and documentation.
• A constructive and curious mindset: you follow agreed procedures while asking questions and flagging potential problems when something does not appear right.

Recent graduates with substantial hands-on laboratory experience are encouraged to apply.

Previous experience from the diagnostics industry is not required.

Nice to have

• Hands-on experience with RT-qPCR workflows.
• Experience working with RNA or low-concentration biological samples.
• Experience processing human-derived samples.
• Exposure to electronic laboratory notebooks, SOPs or quality-controlled laboratory environments.
• Experience with NGS workflows.
• Experience with method optimization or practical laboratory troubleshooting.

We offer

• A highly hands-on role with responsibility for work that directly supports our development projects.
• Close collaboration with an experienced team in a small and dynamic company.
• Opportunities to develop your molecular diagnostics, IVD and quality-management experience.
• The possibility of gradually taking on more responsibility as your experience grows.
• A working environment where accuracy, openness and relevant questions are valued.
• Employment: Full-time
• Start date: As soon as possible or by agreement

Marker Diagnostics operates a development laboratory in Denmark focused on biomarker discovery, assay development and molecular diagnostic product development. We identify RNA biomarkers from non-invasive samples such as buccal swabs, blood and urine, with initial applications in oncology and neurology.