Research Technician Developmental Biology

Join us as a research technician in the Division of Developmental Biology, a collaborative division of five research groups within the Faculty of Science. We investigate how stem cells grow, specialize, and form tissues, uncovering the molecular principles of development, regeneration, and disease—advancing fundamental insights in biology. We use a variety of model systems, including cell culture, 3D tissue culture models (organoids and gastruloids) and the nematode C. elegans.

Your job
As a research technician in the Division of Developmental Biology, you are at the heart of our research. You support both organoid/gastruloid and C. elegans labs and work closely with PhD students, researchers, and lab managers.

You will:

• Support and carry out wet lab experiments.
• Organize and maintain the lab facilities, including ordering and testing reagents.
• Culture tissues and maintain lab databases (cryo stocks, plasmids).
• Assist with advanced techniques such as genetics, RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9, microscopy, mass spectrometry, and omics.
• Contribute to smooth daily operations across the division.

This position offers you the opportunity to strengthen both your lab management and research skills. With a variety of techniques and collaboration with multiple groups it is both challenging and rewarding, offering you the chance to grow in a vibrant, multidisciplinary environment.

We are looking for an enthusiastic new colleague who:

• Holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Dutch HLO) or Master’s degree in (Molecular) Biology, Life Sciences, or a related field.
• Enjoys collaborating in a team and contributes to a positive lab environment.
• Communicates clearly in English, both written and spoken.
• Works proactive and takes initiative to ensure experiments and lab operations run smoothly.
• Has experience with (3D) cell culture or is eager to learn.

Your curiosity, enthusiasm, and ability to work proactive in a team will help you support complex experiments and keep the lab running smoothly. Hands-on experience with cell culture or model systems is valuable, but your willingness to learn and grow is just as important to us.

• a position for one year, with the possibility of extension to a total of two years upon successful assessment;
• a working week of 28 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary, depending on education and experience, between € 3.057 and €4.484 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 7, 8 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.

You will work in the Developmental Biology division (Department of Biology), which consists of five research groups. The groups of Dr. Suzan Ruijtenberg, Prof. Sander van den Heuvel, and Prof. Mike Boxem who primarily use C. elegans as a model system. And the groups of Dr. Saskia Suijkerbuijk and Dr. Luca Braccioli, who share an interest in cellular interactions in mammalian culture models. You will therefore be part of an interdisciplinary and dynamic team of researchers that share many common interests and approaches.