Research Technician – Cell & Molecular Biology with a focus on iPSC technologies

Dr. Harsha Devalla’s group at the Amsterdam UMC is hiring a research technician.

Our lab has established robust approaches for differentiating iPSCs into various cardiac cell types and has spearheaded the development of integrated tissue systems.

Our projects are geared at understanding the molecular basis of heart rhythm disorders, with the ultimate goal of developing personalized therapeutic approaches. By using patient-specific iPSCs, we can recapitulate disease phenotypes in the dish, enabling us to uncover novel mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Your role will include:

• Maintaining iPSC lines and differentiating them into relevant cardiac and neuronal cell types, including cardiomyocytes, and autonomic neurons.
• Carrying out gene editing of iPSCs using CRISPR/Cas9 techniques
• Performing downstream experiments using molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, immunocytochemistry, and viral transduction
• Supporting our laboratory manager with upkeeping of the lab and efficient management of resources such as overseeing inventories, ordering materials and reagents, stockkeeping, and maintaining up-to-date laboratory databases
• Collaborating closely with PhD students and other team members to support their research activities
• Mentoring Bachelor's and Master's students during their internships, guiding them in laboratory techniques and best practices

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys a combination of hands-on research and laboratory management support, with an interest in taking on responsibilities that contribute to the group's overall success.

Essential Educational background and technical skills

• A degree in Life Sciences, Biology, or Medical Laboratory Research (HBO preferred)
• Hands-on experience with cell culture and diverse molecular biology techniques
• Ability to execute experiments with precision, analyze data, and maintain accurate records
• Proficiency in spoken and written English

Desired Technical Experience

• Experience in human iPSC maintenance and differentiation
• Experience with CRISPR-based gene editing techniques

Personal Qualities

• Motivation to contribute to academic research and scientific discovery
• Strong communication skills, with proven ability for teamwork and collaboration
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and adaptability to new techniques and protocols
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high-quality standards
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team

• A flying start to your career in scientific research.
• Plenty of room for your drive to shape tomorrow's healthcare.
• Working on large-scale and in-house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• A contract for 12 months with the intention of extension (funding for this position is available for 3 years).
• Salary scale 7M: € 2.975 to € 4.214 gross based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here.
• Holiday hours: 190,4 per year for fulltime and a possibility to save additional hours.
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
• For >7 km each way, 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each way.
• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme. Moreover, you will receive a reimbursement of €0.18 per km.

Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.

Dr. Devalla's group is based in the department of Medical Biology at location AMC, consisting of six independent research groups, a number of PhD students, research technicians and staff scientists. It is a very international, dynamic and collaborative environment with plenty of opportunities for personal and professional development.

Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.

Watch the video to find out more.