Key responsibilities
The analyst will be integrated in a research team that investigates a new research direction that connects the efficiency of stress response to cellular and animal lifespan, and analyze candidate genetic mechanisms. The analyst will establish induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from understudied mammalian species including great apes and rhino, i.e. an iPSC zoo collection. iPSCs from exotic and understudied species will be differentiated to neurons and other cell types in order to analyze stress-induced complexes that protect cells from protein and DNA damage. The project will deliver answers on the ability of cells to withstand prolonged stress in relation to animal lifespan. The analyst will learn and apply cutting edge technologies including in cellular reprogramming, differentiation, next generation sequencing, high throughput microscopy, CRISPR-CAS gene editing, and work in close collaboration with PhD student and bioinformaticians.

The candidate will be embedded in the research group of Prof. dr. M. Drukker, focused on stem cells technologies in order to create novel models for human disease and drug development.

Selection criteria

• A MSc degree in Biology, Genetics, Biomedical sciences or a related field;
• Independence and experience in performing complex tissue culture experiments
• Expertise in stem cell culture, molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, microscopy, genetic models conducted independently
• Skills in quantitative image analysis
• Strong communication skills in the group and with collaborators;
• Proficiency in English;

Our organization
Working at the Faculty of Science means being part of an exciting, dynamic scientific environment which sets high standards for its students and staff. The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is diverse, ranging from computer science, mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences.

The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and over 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science.

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time, one year term position, with the possibility of renewal for an additional temporary contract for the duration of the project, based on performance. The salary ranges from € 2.693 to € 4.103 gross per month (fulltime, scale 7 or 8, depending on education and experience, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For more information (https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions), see the website.