Lab Technician — iPSC Microglia and Lab Operations - #49947

The Mancuso lab studies microglia — the resident immune cells of the brain — and their role in neurodegenerative disease. We generate microglia from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), apply them in disease-relevant model systems, and use them to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and ALS.

We are recruiting a lab technician to support both our experimental work and the day-to-day operation of the lab. The position combines hands-on tissue culture and bench support for iPSC microglia differentiations with responsibility for inventory, ordering, and supplier management. Both sides of the role are essential to keep our research moving.

Your responsibilities

• Bench support. Maintain sterile tissue culture, prepare media and reagents, and support iPSC microglia differentiations, including passaging, freezing, and thawing.
• Routine laboratory techniques. Pipetting, dilutions, buffer preparation, and basic molecular biology in support of ongoing experiments.
• Inventory management. Maintain an accurate, well-organized stock of consumables, cytokines, media, and reagents, and ensure critical supplies are always available.
• Ordering and supplier liaison. Place orders, track deliveries, manage quotes, and resolve issues with suppliers promptly.
• Process improvement. Contribute to the design and refinement of our inventory and ordering systems. This is a newly created position, with scope to shape how it operates.
  
  

Your profile

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, or a related field. We encourage bachelor’s students that completed their studies at a Hogeschool to apply.
• Demonstrated experience with sterile tissue culture is required, including confident use of a laminar flow hood and sound aseptic technique.
• Solid grounding in routine laboratory techniques, including pipetting, cell counting, dilutions, buffer preparation, and basic molecular biology.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the discipline to keep accurate records and a well-maintained workspace.
• Comfortable working with digital tools, including ordering platforms, inventory systems, and standard office software.
• A proactive, reliable team member with good communication skills and a constructive approach to problem-solving.
• Considered an asset: prior experience with iPSCs or other stem cell systems, microglia or immune cell biology, or establishing lab inventory and ordering workflows.
  
  

Our offer

• A one-year contract with extension after positive evaluation.
• Full reimbursement for public transport commuting.
• Bike allowance if you commute by bicycle.
• Eco-cheques as part of our benefits package.
• A generous annual leave policy, including additional collective leave during the university’s closure between Christmas and New Year.
• A varied position combining bench work, lab operations, and process design, with genuine scope to shape the role.
• A position within VIB, one of Europe’s leading life-sciences institutes, working on disease-relevant human microglia.
• Opportunities to develop your technical skills in iPSC culture, differentiations, and downstream assays as you grow with the lab.
• A collaborative, scientifically engaged team and a supportive working environment.
  
  

How to apply

Please apply via the VIB online career platform (https://jobs.vib.be/apply/135532) with your CV and a brief motivation letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the position.

In case of questions, don't hesitate to reach out to [email protected] .

https://vib.be/en

https://cmn.sites.vib.be

https://mancusolab.sites.vib.be