Lab Technician – iPSC Microglia and Lab Operations

About the role

The Mancuso lab at VIB focuses on microglia derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to study neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and ALS. We are looking for a Lab Technician to support both hands‑on tissue‑culture work and the day‑to‑day operational needs of the laboratory.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain sterile tissue‑culture conditions, prepare media and reagents, and support iPSC‑derived microglia differentiations, including passaging, freezing, and thawing.
• Perform routine laboratory techniques such as pipetting, cell counting, dilutions, buffer preparation, and basic molecular biology assays.
• Manage inventory of consumables, cytokines, media, and reagents, ensuring accurate records and availability.
• Place orders, track deliveries, handle supplier quotes, and resolve any supplier issues promptly.
• Contribute to the design and improvement of inventory and ordering workflows.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, biomedical sciences, biotechnology or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with sterile tissue‑culture techniques and confident use of a laminar flow hood.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to keep accurate records.
• Proficiency with digital tools such as ordering platforms, inventory systems, and standard office software.
• Proactive, reliable team player with good communication skills.

Required skills

• Sterile tissue‑culture techniques
• Laminar flow hood operation
• Aseptic technique
• Pipetting and solution preparation (dilutions, buffer preparation)
• Cell counting
• Basic molecular biology methods
• Inventory management software
• Ordering platforms
• Standard office software

What we offer

• One‑year fixed‑term contract with possibility of extension
• Full reimbursement for public‑transport commuting
• Bike allowance for cyclists
• Eco‑cheques as part of the benefits package
• Generous annual leave, including additional collective leave during university closure
• Opportunity to shape the role and contribute to process design