Associate Scientist Immunochemistry - qPCR and Ligand Binding Assays

Ardena; Assen; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning environment

Growth opportunities

Dynamic team

Flexible hours

Open communication culture

Job summary

Ardena is seeking an Associate Scientist Immunochemistry – qPCR and Ligand Binding Assays (32-40 hours/week) in Assen, the Netherlands. The role focuses on qPCR expertise within a GLP-certified bioanalytical lab and offers involvement with ELISA and electrochemiluminescence alongside data oversight and instrument maintenance.

The candidate will contribute to method development for large molecules and biomarkers, with a preference for Dutch and English communication and a proactive, collaborative

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in biomedical field required.
• Hands-on experience developing bioanalytical methods for large molecules and biomarkers using qPCR/qPCR-related methods in regulated environments.
• Experience with regulatory GLP, GMP, or ICH/GxP guidelines.
• Preferably experience with immunochemistry techniques such as ELISA, MSD, and multiplex platforms.
• Fluent in Dutch (preferred) and English.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical expert and lead for qPCR technologies within GLP-certified lab.
• Provide oversight for execution, troubleshooting, optimization of qPCR assays.
• Contribute to other bioanalytical techniques including ligand-binding assays (ELISA, electrochemiluminescence).
• Maintain and improve GLP Quality System; assist with instrument maintenance and validation.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Project Technicians, and Team Manager to meet customer expectations.

Skills

qPCR development

GLP/GMP knowledge

Bioanalytical methods

Immunochemistry basics

Dutch and English

Education

BSc or MSc in biomedical field

Tools

ELISA

MSD

Multiplex platforms

qPCR instruments

Job description

About us

Ardena is a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) and Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing in precision medicine development. Ardena supports pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in bringing innovative, complex molecules from discovery to market.

The Ardena Group operates from five sites across Europe and the United States, employing more than 700 professionals. Our European sites are in Oss and Assen in the Netherlands, Ghent in Belgium and Pamplona in Spain. Our US facility is based in Somerset, New Jersey. Ardena provides integrated services spanning drug substance development, drug product formulation, GMP manufacturing, bioanalytical services, clinical logistics, fill and finish, and CMC regulatory support.

Our laboratory in Assen is a highly specialized and innovative facility that offers a wide range of bioanalytical services to the global pharmaceutical industry, from drug discovery research through to Phase IV clinical studies. In our recently expanded and renovated GLP-compliant laboratory, our mission is to provide quantitative and qualitative analyses of all types of drugs, as well as biomarkers in biological matrices, using techniques such as LC-MS/MS, ligand-binding assays (ELISA), qPCR, and flow cytometry.

Our enthusiastic team of approximately 100 bioanalytical scientists brings expertise across a diverse range of areas, from small molecules and peptides to cells and proteins, including antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates, oligonucleotides, vaccines, and nanoparticles.

For the Ardena Bioanalysis Business Unit based in Assen, the Netherlands, we are looking for a (senior) qPCR analyst with strong molecular biology expertise who is open-minded and willing to contribute to other bioanalytical techniques, including ELISA and electrochemiluminescence assays.

Associate Scientist Immunochemistry – qPCR and Ligand Binding Assays (32-40 hours per week)

Your key responsibilities

As an Associate Scientist specialized in qPCR, you will act as the technical expert and lead for qPCR technologies within our GLP-certified bioanalytical laboratory. You will provide scientific oversight for the execution, troubleshooting, optimization, and continuous improvement of qPCR assays. Alongside your qPCR responsibilities, you will be open to contributing to other bioanalytical techniques, including ligand-binding assays such as ELISA and electrochemiluminescence assays. You will be involved in the full analytical process from start to finish, ensuring that all activities are performed in compliance with GLP and GCP requirements. Your responsibilities will also include laboratory-related tasks such as instrument maintenance and validation, as well as maintaining and continuously improving our GLP Quality System. You will work closely with laboratory colleagues, Project Managers, Project Technicians, and your Team Manager to consistently meet or exceed customer expectations.

Your profile

• You have a BSc or MSc degree in a biomedical (related) field.

• You have multiple years of hands‑on experience in developing bioanalytical methods for large molecules and biomarkers using real‑time qPCR, multiplex qPCR assays, RT‑qPCR and/or digital PCR support in a regulated bioanalytical environment.

• You have experience with regulatory requirements (GLP, GMP, or ICH/FDA/EMA guidelines) and working in a GxP environment.

• Preferably, you have experience with immunochemistry techniques such as ELISA, MSD, and multiplex platforms.

• You thrive in a dynamic and changing environment.

• You are eager to learn and develop your skills.

• You are flexible, a problem solver, and a team player.

• You possess an analytical mindset and remain calm under pressure.

• You are quality‑and results‑oriented.

• You have strong communication skills and are fluent in Dutch (preferred) and English.

• We value creative thinking and proactiveness

What we offer

• Salary range: € 3200,- to € 4500,- gross per month (based on a 40‑hour workweek).

• A true learning environment where you can grow your skills.

• A rapidly developing and expanding company with an interesting portfolio of services, products, and clients.

• A dynamic working environment with friendly and enthousiastic colleagues.

• A company culture with open communication, where employee well‑being is highly valued.

• Flexible working hours.

Only candidates eligible to work in the EU will be considered for the position.