Lab Technician

Your Role

To accelerate the development of our groundbreaking therapeutic drug monitoring platform, Axithra is looking for a versatile Lab Technician to join our team in Ghent
. In this role, you will work on the assay development, at the intersection of engineering and biology. You will be responsible for the characterisation of microfluidic prototypes, alongside the preparation and characterisation of a variety of biological samples, validating our platform's performance with clinical samples.

Assay development

• Prepare and run experiments for small-molecule drug analysis, including total and free (unbound) drug fractions
• Execute enrichment, washing, and elution workflows using sorbent-based methods
• Follow and maintain established SOPs in accordance with ISO
  13485 requirements, ensuring accurate data capture and detailed test reports

• Assist in optimisation of assay parameters including recovery, specificity, and repeatability
• Contribute with experimental data to guide assay design decisions

Microfluidic prototype testing

• Operate and test microfluidic prototypes to evaluate fluid dynamics, assay performance, and sensor sensitivity

Biological sample preparation and handling

• Prepare and process biological samples, e.g. plasma, protein‑precipitated plasma, serum, and buffers
• Apply a sound understanding to biological matrix behaviour: sample composition, preparation history (centrifugation, freeze‑thaw cycles, storage conditions), and inter‑individual variability affecting microfluidic performance and analyte‑matrix interactions
• Recognise and troubleshoot matrix‑related anomalies

Collaboration and documentation

• Work closely with R&D engineers and scientists to troubleshoot platform performance and suggest improvements
• Maintain rigorous documentation in line with ISO
  13485 standards

• Education:
  
  bachelor’s or master’s degree in laboratory technology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, or a related field
• Strong hands‑on experience in a wet lab environment: micropipetting, reagent preparation, biological sample handling, and processing
• Experience with LC/UV or LC/MS systems for reference method validation and analytical comparison
• Familiarity with regulated laboratory environments and SOP‑driven workflows
• Knowledge of blood and plasma characteristics, including the influence of protein binding on free drug fractions
• Awareness of how sample preparation and storage, and environmental conditions affect matrix composition and its interaction with analytes
• Understanding of how matrix variability and rheological properties can influence microfluidic behaviour
• Precise and methodical approach, with an eye for detail
• Adaptable problem‑solver: comfortable moving between routine sample preparation and more complex biochemical assays, with a willingness to provide support outside of the core tasks
• Clear communicator: able to document experimental work rigorously and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Knowledge of LC/UV method development and troubleshooting, including diagnosing and resolving analytical issues is considered a plus
• Prior hands‑on experience with microfuidic cartridges is beneficial
• Familiarity with clinical or hospital laboratory settings and working with patient‑derived material is desirable
• Understanding of plasma protein binding dynamics and contributing factors is a plus, in addition to experience with equilibrium dialysis or ultrafiltration method

Apply by sending your resume and motivation letter to  or fill in the form on this jobs page before 3 May.