Scientist (Immunology, BioTech)

MAT Research; Leiden; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

MAT Research in Leiden seeks a motivated Scientist with a PhD in immunology to join our team. You will conduct hands-on lab work, support assay development, and help ensure quality lab execution in a scale-up biotech setting.

The role focuses on immunology-based experiments, PBMC isolation, and analytical methods like ELISA and Flow Cytometry, contributing to product development and regulatory documentation as needed.

Qualifications

• PhD in Immunology or related field.
• Hands-on PBMC isolation and cell-based assays.
• Experience with ELISA and Flow Cytometry.
• Familiarity with GMP/GLP or ISO:9001 is a plus.
• Excellent written and spoken English; willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and performScientific experiments; support QA/QC standards.
• Carry out laboratory testing including immunology assays.
• Support product development and assay optimisation.
• Ensure accurate documentation and data integrity.
• Collaborate with lab staff to maintain smooth operations.

Skills

PBMC isolation

Cell-based assays

ELISA

Flow Cytometry

Immunology

Education

PhD in Immunology or related field

Job description

MAT Research is a pioneering company in the field of pyrogen testing, committed to ushering in a new era of ethical and accurate diagnostics. Since 2016, we have been leading the development of the Monocyte Activation Test (MAT), an animal-free alternative to traditional Rabbit Pyrogen Tests. Our ready-to-use MAT kits offer a robust and highly reliable method for detecting a broad range of pyrogens in parenteral drugs. ISO:9001:2015 certified, we uphold the highest standards of quality in all our products and services. By focusing on in-vitro human-based testing, we aim to improve patient safety while saving hundreds of thousands of animal lives each year. We are steadfast supporters of the European Pharmacopoeia's vision to replace animal-based tests with MAT in line with regulatory guidelines. For more details, go to our job page.

We are looking for a motivated Scientist with a strong immunology background to join our team in Leiden. This role is suitable for someone with a PhD who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, scientific problem-solving, and contributing to product development in a biotech environment.

You will contribute to our R&D activities, support assay development and optimisation, and help ensure high-quality lab execution and documentation. This is a great opportunity for a scientist who wants to grow in a scale-up biotech company while applying their immunology expertise to meaningful, animal-free testing.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with cell-based assays and analytical methods, and is excited to work in a practical, quality-focused lab environment.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Scientific research, experimental execution, and laboratory testing.
• Support of product development and assay optimisation.
• Contribution to Quality Assurance & Control (QA/QC) standards.
• Support with product-related lab work, manufacturing activities, and delivery processes.
• Support with regulatory compliance documentation.
• Collaboration with lab technicians and scientists to support smooth lab operations.

To fulfil these responsibilities, you will:

• Design, plan, and execute experiments with support from senior colleagues where needed.
• Routinely perform immunological, cell-based, and analytical methods, such as PBMC isolation, ELISA, and Flow Cytometry.
• Analyse experimental data and translate results into clear reports, summaries, and technical updates.
• Maintain accurate experiment records and documentation to support data integrity and traceability.
• Follow internal SOPs, lab safety practices, and quality requirements.
• Contribute to assay optimisation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of lab workflows.
• Support preparation of technical documentation and, over time, contribute to client-facing scientific support or training where relevant.
• Work closely with the scientists and technicians to support daily lab operations and product-related work.

• Living in the Netherlands near Leiden or able to relocate in the short term.
• PhD in Immunology, Immuno-oncology, Immunotherapy, Cell Biology, or a related discipline. (Fresh PhD graduates are welcome to apply)
• Hands-on experience with PBMC isolations, cellular assays, and analytical methods such as ELISA and Flow Cytometry. Familiarity with regulatory standards such as ICH is a plus.
• Strong analytical mindset and experience working with scientific data analysis tools.
• Demonstrated precision, attention to detail, and reliability in experimental execution.
• Familiarity with quality standards (GMP/GLP or ISO:9001) is a plus.
• Good scientific writing and reporting skills.
• Adaptable self-starter with good teamwork skills and the ability to manage priorities to meet deadlines.
• Comfortable working in a hands-on, fast-moving biotech scale-up environment.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for business trips or client support.
• Excellent communication skills with fluency in English (Dutch, German, or French is a plus).

Your compensation will be:

• Competitive base salary (Full-time, 40 hrs/week)
• 25 vacation days per year + national holidays