In Vivo CRISPR Screening Scientist

Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB); Belgique; Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hospitalisation insurance

Pension plan

Eco-cheques

Bicycle allowance

Public transport reimbursement

Job summary

Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) is seeking a wet-lab technician to support in vivo CRISPR screening for the PowerPortrait ERC Starting Grant project, focusing on macrophage regulation in health and disease.

Under supervision of a staff scientist, you will perform CRISPR screens, culture murine stem cells, and apply flow cytometry, microscopy and transgenic techniques to advance the project. A collaborative, high-tech lab environment is offered.

Qualifications

• Essential degree in a biomedical field with related lab experience.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
• Experience with in vitro work and with mice is preferred.
• Knowledge of PCR/qPCR and basic lab safety procedures is expected.

Responsibilities

• Support in vivo CRISPR screening from start to finish.
• Culture primary murine stem cells and perform genetic alterations.
• Carry out cell/mouse work, transduction, flow cytometry and FACS sorting.
• Assist with buffers, lab maintenance and core facility tasks.

Skills

Fluency in English

Teamwork

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in biomedical laboratory technology

Tools

PCR

qPCR

CRISPR technology

Flow cytometry

FACS sorting

Confocal microscopy

Job description

About us

The Laboratory of Causal Systems Immunology combines large-scale in vivo perturbation experiments, advanced mouse models of immune diseases and causal learning to uncover how genes shape immune-cell states and predict how the immune system responds to interventions. This tight integration of experimental immunology with data-driven experiments allows us to tackle fundamental biological questions with direct biomedical relevance. We are embedded in both the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, a leading center unravelling the cellular and molecular mechanisms of inflammatory diseases, and the VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology, a young, ambitious center whose research groups address biological questions through the lens of AI.

About the role

The lab is looking for a wet-lab technician to support in vivo CRISPR screening. You will join the ERC Starting Grant project PowerPortrait, which aims to disentangle the regulation of a key immune cell—the macrophage—in health and disease.

Under the supervision of a staff scientist, you will work both collaboratively and independently on CRISPR screens from start to finish using various high-end technologies. This involves the in vitro culture of primary murine stem cells and genetically altering them using CRISPR technology to generate transgenic mice. You will perform a variety of techniques, including cell and mouse work, cell transduction, multicolor flow cytometry and FACS sorting, light/fluorescence and confocal microscopy and irradiation. In addition, you will support general tasks within the lab such as preparing buffers. We offer a high-tech environment, support from several core facilities, training opportunities and a diverse, vibrant team.

Your profile

Essential requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in biomedical laboratory technology, biochemistry, biotechnology, animal care or a related field
• FELASA B/C certificate or willingness to obtain the certificate in a timely manner
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Experience with in vitro work
• Experience working with mice
• Experience with molecular techniques such as PCR and qPCR
• Knowledge of laboratory health and safety procedures
• Previous laboratory experience (placements completed during degree studies are sufficient)
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team

Desirable bot not required

• Experience in culturing stem cells
• Experience with intravenous and intraperitoneal injections.
• Experience with cell transfection techniques (particularly viral transduction).
• Basic understanding of immunology
• Basic understanding of flow cytometry and confocal microscopy

Key personal characteristics

• You are enthusiastic and curious about scientific research
• You like learning new techniques and want to stay at the technological forefront
• You are willing to participate in the general lab organization
• You can work well in a team and independently
• You are accurate and critical of your work and its implementation
• You have a strong ability to multitask and meet deadlines
• You enjoy other cultures and are respectful of others and their different ideas and opinions

Our offer

• A full-time position
• A challenging job in a stimulating, collaborative environment with opportunities for personal development
• You will learn new techniques and tools
• Freedom to shape your work and role
• Exposure to diverse projects and cutting-edge technologies
• A generous annual leave policy to create a good work-life balance
• A competitive salary and benefits including hospitalization insurance, pension plan, eco-cheques, a bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs
• This role is part of a 5-year project, with the possibility of extension depending on the availability of funds.

How to apply

Please submit your application using the online form (https://jobs.vib.be/apply/137661).
Your application should include:

• A motivation letter submitted through the designated form
• A CV highlighting how your past experience and achievements are relevant to this position
• Ideally, contact details for at least one reference

For further information please contact [e-mail] or [e-mail]. Application deadline is October 30th.

https://vib.be

https://vib.be/en/research-and-impact/research-centers/center-inflammation-research#/
https://vib.ai
https://wsaelenslab.sites.vib.be