You will work in a small team that investigates the activation of the innate immune system in viral infections and autoinflammatory diseases. As a research technician you will contribute to a project to obtain insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the activation and regulation of receptors that recognize viral or self-derived RNA. The activation of these RNA receptors leads to the production of certain cytokines. As a research technician you will perform assays to measure cytokine production under certain conditions. You will also help to create new cell lines by overexpressing or knocking out genes of interest. In addition to doing research, you will have certain organizational tasks in the lab.

In short:

·         You have an HLO or MSc degree

·         You have experience with methods in molecular biology

·         You will perform RNA isolations and qPCRs

·         You will use and create various cell lines

You have a MSc or HLO degree in the field of biomedical sciences, medical biology, or life sciences. We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with extensive experience and knowledge of molecular biology. Preferably you have hands-on experience with molecular techniques such as RNA isolation, qPCR, immunoblotting, tissue culture, transfections, retroviral/lentiviral transductions, CRISPR/Cas9, and cloning. Knowledge of immunology is beneficial. You work in a very structured and accurate manner with regards to experimental work and record-keeping. Since the group has an international flavor it is important that you can communicate well in Dutch and English equally. The group works on various research questions so you need to be able to quickly switch between different topics. Finally, we are looking for someone with a pro-active attitude that likes to contribute to the excellence of the group and that enjoys doing his/her work.

Fixed-term contract: max 4 years.

You will be employed on the basis of 36 hours per week. You will initially be given an employment contract for one year, with the possibility of extension for up to four years. Your salary is based on your education and experience and is a maximum of  € 3,280  gross per month for a full time position (scale 7 in the Collective Labour Agreement for University Hospitals).

LUMC

At the Leiden University Medical Center, we continuously work on improving patient care. We invest in groundbreaking, international research and work with the latest equipment. Together with our team of doctors, medical specialists, teachers, academic researchers and supporting staff, we aim for the best quality in health care, education and international research. And we need you to realize our goals!

department of Immunology

The research group ‘molecular biology of innate immunity’ is part of the department of Immunology and is headed by Dr. Annemarthe van der Veen. The group investigates the molecular mechanisms that underlie the innate immune system, which plays an important role in the immune response to pathogens but can also be activated in the absence of an infection, for example in autoinflammatory diseases or cancer. The group investigates how the innate immune system is activated in these types of diseases. The research group works together with various researchers of the department of Immunology, Medical Microbiology, and Cell & Chemical Biology. The group is part of the Institute for Chemical Immunology. The department of Immunology is a scientifically diverse department, headed by prof. Jannie Borst. The department consists of ten research groups which focus on both research and diagnostics. Within the department there are regular seminars and scientific meetings, such as the yearly science retreat.