Laboratory Technician - Drug discovery - Early development - #53982

Stellaris is an innovative biotechnology company developing next-generation small molecule therapeutics to effectively reverse established fibrosis, a condition that affects vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, liver and lungs. Stellaris has its roots in the globally recognized academic environments of UCLouvain and KU Leuven, and is based within the vibrant Biopark in Gosselies, Belgium.

Position Summary

The Laboratory Technician will play a key role in supporting our discovery biology team by performing cell-based assays, assisting with assay development, and ensuring the generation, analysis and presentation of experimental data. The successful candidate will work closely with scientists while progressively taking ownership of routine laboratory activities and data management.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in modern drug discovery within a dynamic and collaborative biotechnology environment.

Key responsibilities

Laboratory activities:

• Perform routine and advanced in vitro experiments using primary cells and established immortalized cell lines.
• Execute plate-based pharmacology and cell biology assays to evaluate compound activity, using established laboratory protocols.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures, including expansion, cryopreservation and quality control.
• Support the optimization, validation and troubleshooting of new biological assays.
• Assist in implementing novel screening methodologies and laboratory workflows.
• Contribute to improving assay robustness, reproducibility and throughput.
• Prepare reagents, compounds and assay plates according to established SOPs.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures and quality standards, and ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained and calibrated.
• Contribute to maintaining a well-organized, efficient and collaborative laboratory environment.

Data analysis and scientific support:

• Analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical and quality control methods.
• Organize, curate and archive experimental results in the company’s databases and electronic laboratory systems.
• Generate high-quality graphs, figures and summary reports suitable for internal presentations.
• Ensure experimental documentation is complete, accurate and compliant with laboratory standards.
• Support senior scientists in the interpretation of experimental results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry or a related life sciences discipline.
• Ideally 2 years of relevant laboratory experience in academia, the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry. Preferred experience: mammalian cell culture, plate-based screening platforms, cellular second messenger assays, standard molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• A different level of experience may also be considered if equivalent in practical laboratory expertise and demonstrated strong aptitude for experimental biology.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong analytical skills.
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to communicate scientific results clearly.
• Passionate about contributing to innovative drug discovery.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in French, with professional proficiency in English required.

Our offer

• Permanent contract with a competitive salary and benefits package, aligned with the responsibilities of the position and your experience.
• Dynamic work environment, conducive to scientific exploration and personal growth.
• Exposure to modern drug discovery within a fast-growing, innovative company, offering opportunities for increasing scientific responsibility.