Research Technician — Lysosome Biology in Zebrafish (CLN3/Batten Disease)

In this translational project, you will apply recently developed zebrafish Lyso-IP/-Tag lines to interrogate intra-lysosomal proteomes, lipidomes and metabolomes in cln3-deficient models. The goals are to (i) uncover lysosomal pathways perturbed by CLN3 loss using LC-MS-based proteomics and metabolomics of enriched lysosomes from larvae and adult tissues (eye, brain), and (ii) test how different energy sources (lipids, glucose, amino acids) influence disease biomarkers (e.g., GPDs) and lysosomal morphology in vivo. You will work closely with Dr Peter van Hasselt (paediatrician for metabolic diseases), core facilities (Proteomics, Lipidomics, Metabolomics), and collaborators at the Hubrecht Institute.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain and manage zebrafish lines: breeding, husbandry, genotyping, and line crosses.
• Prepare lysosome-enriched fractions via Lyso-IP from larvae and adult tissues; perform QC by Western blot and basic fraction purity checks.
• Coordinate and execute sample preparation for LC-MS proteomics, lipidomics and metabolomics; liaise with core facilities and manage sample metadata.
• Perform fluorescence/confocal imaging of fluorescently tagged lysosomes; quantify lysosome number/size and morphology across conditions.
• Microinjection experiments of zebrafish embyos and phenotypic characterization; assess survival, morphology, locomotor behavior, and downstream biomarker changes.
• Maintain accurate lab records, SOPs, and inventory; ensure biosafety and animal welfare compliance; contribute to data organization and basic analysis.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team and communicate results in lab meetings.

The maximum salary for this position (32 - 36 hours) is € 3.064,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.

In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).

You will join the Research Section of the Department of Genetics (UMC Utrecht), embedded in a dynamic translational setting with close ties to the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (WKZ) and Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM). The project is part of the UMC Utrecht Child Health priority program and benefits from collaborations with the Hubrecht Institute, AUMC Metabolomics, and clinical partners. Our location at the Utrecht Science Park enables extensive interactions and joint projects with neighboring institutes.