Research Technician – Plant Genome Engineering

About the role

The Research Technician will support the Crop Genome Engineering Facility (CGEF) in delivering high‑quality genetically transformed plants. The focus is on the soybean transformation pipeline, while also helping to establish tomato transformation and providing assistance to the maize team.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain and execute the soybean transformation workflow, including molecular cloning, tissue culture, selection, genotyping and phenotyping.
• Develop and optimise protocols for a new tomato transformation platform.
• Assist the maize transformation team as needed, ensuring smooth cross‑project collaboration.
• Contribute to R&D projects aimed at improving transformation efficiency and CRISPR/Cas9 delivery.
• Work closely with colleagues in laboratory, greenhouse and growth‑room facilities in Zwijnaarde and Nevele.

Required profile

• Professional Bachelor degree in laboratory technology or a related field.
• Hands‑on experience with in‑vitro plant tissue culture.
• Experience handling and growing plants in growth rooms or greenhouses.
• Good command of spoken and written English.

Required skills

• Molecular cloning of genetic constructs.
• Plant tissue culture techniques.
• Genotyping of transgenic lines.
• Phenotyping of transformed plants.
• CRISPR/Cas9 delivery methods.

What we offer

• Hands‑on work in a cutting‑edge plant biotechnology environment.
• Opportunity to contribute to sustainable agriculture research.
• Collaboration with leading scientists and access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities.