Research Technician – Molecular Cell Biology

Hubrecht Institute; Utrecht; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation allowance

Year-end bonus

Travel allowance

Internet allowance

Home working allowance

Pension ABP

Job summary

The Kops lab at the Hubrecht Institute in Utrecht seeks a Research Technician to support the generation, maintenance, and use of human cell lines, partnering with PhD students and postdocs in an international, collaborative setting.

You will culture cells, perform CRISPR editing, produce lentiviral vectors, clone plasmids, isolate DNA/RNA/proteins, run PCR/qPCR, assist with microscopy and NGS prep, and keep precise experimental records.

Qualifications

• Completed HBO or Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Good communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and culture mammalian cell lines under sterile conditions.
• Generate genetically modified cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
• Produce lentiviral vectors and perform lentiviral transductions.
• Design and construct plasmids using standard molecular cloning techniques.
• Isolate DNA, RNA, and proteins from mammalian cell lines.
• Perform PCR, qPCR, and genotyping assays.
• Assist with fluorescence microscopy and NGS library preparation.
• Maintain accurate experimental records in an electronic laboratory notebook.
• Contribute to the organization and daily operation of the laboratory.

Skills

Mammalian culture

Molecular biology

CRISPR/Cas9

Plasmid cloning

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's or HBO in related field

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled research technician to join the Kops lab at the Hubrecht Institute. We study the molecular mechanisms that ensure accurate chromosome segregation during cell division, with a strong focus on genome stability and its relevance to human disease.

In this role, you will play a central part in the generation, maintenance, and experimental use of human cell lines, supporting ongoing projects that combine state-of-the-art cell biology, advanced fluorescence microscopy, and sequencing-based approaches. You will work closely with PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in a collaborative and international research environment, contributing directly to cutting-edge research in mitosis and chromosome biology.

The Hubrecht Institute is an international research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and is embedded in a vibrant scientific ecosystem with strong links to Utrecht University and UMC Utrecht. The institute provides excellent infrastructure, core facilities, and a stimulating environment for scientific and technical development.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and culture mammalian cell lines under sterile conditions.
• Generate genetically modified cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing.
• Produce lentiviral vectors and perform lentiviral transductions.
• Design and construct plasmids using standard molecular cloning techniques.
• Isolate DNA, RNA, and proteins from mammalian cell lines.
• Perform PCR, qPCR, and genotyping assays.
• Assist with fluorescence microscopy and NGS library preparation.
• Maintain accurate experimental records in an electronic laboratory notebook.
• Contribute to the organization and daily operation of the laboratory.

Essential Qualifications

• Completed HBO or Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
• Strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Good communication skills and proficiency in spoken and written English.

For questions please contact prof. dr. Geert Kops at [e-mail]

About the Hubrecht Institute

The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute focused on molecular and developmental biology. Because of the dynamic character of the research, the institute has a variable number of research groups, around 20, that do fundamental, multidisciplinary research on healthy and diseased cells, tissues and organisms. The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), situated on Utrecht Science Park. Since 2008, the institute is affiliated with the UMC Utrecht, advancing the translation of research to the clinic. The Hubrecht Institute has a partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). For more information, visit www.hubrecht.eu.

Terms of employment

Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 3.202,- and the maximum salary is € 4.159,- gross per month for a full‑time appointment (scale 7 cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year‑end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full‑time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

Diversity & Inclusion

The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.