The opening is for a research technician position within the field of cell and developmental biology and imaging. The position is in an interdisciplinary team of mathematical and experimental biologists. Our team specializes in the mathematical and computational modeling of angiogenesis. We are currently setting up an experimental research line, which will directly test the mathematical models in the lab. Discrepancies between the lab observations and the mathematical models identify the gaps in our understanding, based on which the mathematical models will be updated or rejected. Our team focuses in particular on the coordination of collective endothelial cell behavior by the extracellular matrix (ECM). We will use cell cultures, followed by in vivo studies in the zebrafish.

As senior technician you will actively participate in the interdisciplinary research of our group. You will be responsible for setting up and running experimental work to test our mathematical models in collaboration with an experimental PhD student and with a number of PhD students in mathematical modeling.

Your key tasks include:

• Setting up and maintaining experimental systems such as cell cultures, lab-on-a-chip, zebrafish, in vitro and in vivo imaging using time-lapse microscopy, quantitative reflection microscopy, TIRF, and 4D imaging using a VAST system;
• Fluorescent imaging of dynamic cell behavior, cell morphology and ECM characteristics in vitro and in vivo under the influence of a range of pharmacological and genetic experimental interventions, including ECM characteristics such as stiffness, matrix orientation and acidity using imaging techniques, which will lead to insight in conjunction with the model;
• Active participation in image analysis and digital annotation of the results;
• Practical assistance of the PhD student, including teaching of experimental skills;
• Active participation in the research projects, including interpretation and reporting.

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in cell biology, biophysics, imaging or a related discipline, with minimally 2 years of relevant work experience. Applications from postdocs will also be considered;
• Outstanding experimental skills in cell and developmental biology and imaging;
• Keen interest or experience with image analysis and/or mathematical modeling approaches;
• Fluent interdisciplinary communication skills with scientists in cell biology and mathematics;
• Excellent written and oral proficiency in English;
• Ability and enthusiasm for working in a multidisciplinary environment;
• You are a team player, but also able to work independently;
• You take initiative and have a strong interest in academic research.

We offer a one year term position with the possibility of renewal based on need, funding and performance. The salary range is from €2.835 to €3.895 gross per month (pay scale 9 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More at: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.

Universiteit Leiden

Leiden is a typical university city, hosting the oldest university in the Netherlands (1575). The University permeates the local surroundings; University premises are scattered throughout the city, and the students who live and study in Leiden give the city its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

Leiden University is one of Europe's foremost research universities. This prominent position gives our graduates a leading edge in applying for academic posts and for functions outside academia. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future. 

The research carried out at the Faculty is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

The Institute of Biology (IBL) is positioned in the Faculty of Sciences. The core business of IBL is to perform top quality innovative fundamental and strategic research that will lead to scientific progress, contribute to solutions for societal challenges, and generate industrial opportunities. The Institute is organised in three multidisciplinary clusters: Animal Sciences & Health, Plant Sciences & Natural Products and Microbial Biotechnology & Health. Presently, over 120 fte (including postdocs and PhDs) are employed at IBL.

The Mathematical Institute (MI) is responsible for the research and education in mathematics and statistics at Leiden University. The institute has a strong international orientation. Its mission is to perform high quality research at the frontiers of mathematical knowledge, and to educate future generations of mathematicians and statisticians in a friendly but challenging environment.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science