Lab Technician In Vivo Multiplexed CRISPR Screening

The Laboratory of Causal Systems Immunology combines large-scale in vivo perturbation experiments, advanced mouse models of immune diseases and causal learning to uncover how genes shape immune-cell states and predict how the immune system responds to interventions. This tight integration of experimental immunology with data-driven experiments allows us to tackle fundamental biological questions with direct biomedical relevance. We are embedded in both the VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, a leading center unravelling the cellular and molecular mechanisms of inflammatory diseases, and the VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology, a young, ambitious center whose research groups address biological questions through the lens of AI.

The lab is looking for a wet-lab technician to support in vivo CRISPR screening. You will join the ERC Starting Grant project Power Portrait, which aims to disentangle the regulation of a key immune cell—the macrophage—in health and disease.

Under the supervision of a staff scientist, you will work both collaboratively and independently on CRISPR screens from start to finish using various high-end technologies. This involves the in vitro culture of primary murine stem cells and genetically altering them using CRISPR technology to generate transgenic mice. You will perform a variety of techniques, including cell and mouse work, cell transduction, multicolor flow cytometry and FACS sorting, light/fluorescence and confocal microscopy and irradiation.

In addition, you will support general tasks within the lab such as preparing buffers. We offer a high-tech environment, support from several core facilities, training opportunities and a diverse, vibrant team.

Essential requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in biomedical laboratory technology, biochemistry, biotechnology, animal care or a related field
• FELASA B/C certificate or willingness to obtain the certificate in a timely manner
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Experience with in vitro work
• Experience working with mice
• Experience with molecular techniques such as PCR and qPCR
• Knowledge of laboratory health and safety procedures
• Previous laboratory experience (placements completed during degree studies are sufficient)
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team

Desirable bot not required

• Experience in culturing stem cells
• Experience with intravenous and intraperitoneal injections.
• Experience with cell transfection techniques (particularly viral transduction).
• Basic understanding of immunology
• Basic understanding of flow cytometry and confocal microscopy

Key personal characteristics

• You are enthusiastic and curious about scientific research
• You like learning new techniques and want to stay at the technological forefront
• You are willing to participate in the general lab organization
• You can work well in a team and independently
• You are accurate and critical of your work and its implementation
• You have a strong ability to multitask and meet deadlines
• You enjoy other cultures and are respectful of others and their different ideas and opinions

Our offer

• A full-time position
• A challenging job in a stimulating, collaborative environment with opportunities for personal development
• You will learn new techniques and tools
• Freedom to shape your work and role
• Exposure to diverse projects and cutting-edge technologies
• A generous annual leave policy to create a good work-life balance
• A competitive salary and benefits including hospitalization insurance, pension plan, eco-cheques, a bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs
• This role is part of a 5-year project, with the possibility of extension depending on the availability of funds.