Research Technician in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience (MCN)

Are you passionate about molecular biology and neuroscience? Do you enjoy working in a dynamic research environment? Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience at VU University is seeking a research technician to support and advance our research.

Jouw functie

In this role, you will play a central part in the daily operation and strategic development of our molecular biology lab, contributing to a variety of exciting and impactful scientific projects.

Your duties

  • lead the development, maintenance, and management of the molecular biology laboratory within MCN
  • acquire, advise on, supervise, and execute molecular cloning projects, including mammalian expression vectors, viral vectors, and CRISPR/Cas9 knock-in/knock-out systems
  • provide support for the preparation and maintenance of organotypic brain slices
  • initiate and report on new innovative developments in molecular and cellular neurobiology
  • supervise and mentor PhD students, postdocs, and interns in neuron culture techniques (e.g., organotypic slice cultures, transfections) and molecular cloning
  • oversee lab operations, including molecular biology and neuronal culture lab management
  • manage projects by maintaining timelines, preparing reports for internal use and funding agencies, and organizing events
  • develop and implement robust data management practices, ensuring safe, accessible, and future-proof storage of lab resources like DNA plasmids and viral stocks. Train new staff in these procedures.

Jouw profiel

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:

  • a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Life Sciences
  • previous experience as a technician in a molecular (neuro)biology laboratory
  • proficiency in all of the above mentioned molecular biology techniques and approaches
  • hands-on experience with cell culture methods, preferably experience with dissociated neuron and organotypic slice cultures
  • familiarity with data management practices in a research setting
  • fluency in English (written and spoken) and strong communication skills.

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Wat bieden wij

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

  • a salary of minimum € 3.378,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.331,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Education/Research Officer 1. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
  • a position for 1.0 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. Afterwards, extension is possible.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

  • A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
  • 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
  • contribution to commuting expenses
  • discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance);
  • optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

Over ons

The Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology (MCN) lab at the CNCR
At the CNCR we work closely together in defining how in essence simple molecular and cellular processes shape the emergent complexity of the brain. We have the specific ambition to unravel the mechanisms by which brain cells and circuitry act both in health and disease and aim to translate mechanistic knowledge into understanding of (dys)function of the human brain. Our neuroscience research area covers analysis over many spatial levels, from genes to the intact organism, and over a large temporal scale, from microsecond molecular events to the years of functioning of the human brain. MCN is one out of four labs at the CNCR, for more information https://mcn.cncr.nl 

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility.  Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Interesse

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the excellence of our services? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application, even if you don't meet all requirements.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Jouw functie

In this role, you will play a central part in the daily operation and strategic development of our molecular biology lab, contributing to a variety of exciting and impactful scientific projects.

Your duties

  • lead the development, maintenance, and management of the molecular biology laboratory within MCN
  • acquire, advise on, supervise, and execute molecular cloning projects, including mammalian expression vectors, viral vectors, and CRISPR/Cas9 knock-in/knock-out systems
  • provide support for the preparation and maintenance of organotypic brain slices
  • initiate and report on new innovative developments in molecular and cellular neurobiology
  • supervise and mentor PhD students, postdocs, and interns in neuron culture techniques (e.g., organotypic slice cultures, transfections) and molecular cloning
  • oversee lab operations, including molecular biology and neuronal culture lab management
  • manage projects by maintaining timelines, preparing reports for internal use and funding agencies, and organizing events
  • develop and implement robust data management practices, ensuring safe, accessible, and future-proof storage of lab resources like DNA plasmids and viral stocks. Train new staff in these procedures.

Jouw profiel

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:

  • a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Life Sciences
  • previous experience as a technician in a molecular (neuro)biology laboratory
  • proficiency in all of the above mentioned molecular biology techniques and approaches
  • hands-on experience with cell culture methods, preferably experience with dissociated neuron and organotypic slice cultures
  • familiarity with data management practices in a research setting
  • fluency in English (written and spoken) and strong communication skills.

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Wat bieden wij

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

  • a salary of minimum € 3.378,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.331,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Education/Research Officer 1. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
  • a position for 1.0 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. Afterwards, extension is possible.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

  • A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
  • 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
  • contribution to commuting expenses
  • discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance);
  • optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

Over ons

The Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology (MCN) lab at the CNCR
At the CNCR we work closely together in defining how in essence simple molecular and cellular processes shape the emergent complexity of the brain. We have the specific ambition to unravel the mechanisms by which brain cells and circuitry act both in health and disease and aim to translate mechanistic knowledge into understanding of (dys)function of the human brain. Our neuroscience research area covers analysis over many spatial levels, from genes to the intact organism, and over a large temporal scale, from microsecond molecular events to the years of functioning of the human brain. MCN is one out of four labs at the CNCR, for more information https://mcn.cncr.nl 

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility.  Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Vragen over de vacature?

Neem contact op met

Harold Mac Gillavry

Teamleader

Interesse

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the excellence of our services? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application, even if you don't meet all requirements.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Vragen over de vacature?

Neem contact op met

Harold Mac Gillavry

Teamleader

Sollicitatieprocedure

Mis jouw droombaan niet!