Technician Ombion: standardisation of in vitro assays

The translation of biomedical knowledge to patients and users results in new medicines, medical technologies, and food products. This benefits our health, our environment, and economy. Animal testing is currently an important link in the biomedical development process, but it is increasingly under pressure. Join the Ombion Centre as a technician and contribute to animal-free technologies and biomedical translation.

Your job
Often, animal tests are not a good model for human application; they are time-consuming, expensive, and cause animal suffering. To continue improving the health of humans and animals, a radically different approach is needed: making the step to humans and animals faster and more effective, without relying on animal testing by default.

The new Ombion Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation (Ombion - CPBT, in Dutch: Centrum voor Proefdiervrije Biomedische Translatie) will shape this approach, creating new business opportunities around animal-free technologies and biomedical translation. This allows the Netherlands to distinguish itself globally and realize its ambition of becoming a leader in animal-free innovation.

The Ombion - CPBT is a national centre for valorising and disseminating animal-free innovations and expertise. It aims to improve and accelerate the transition of new biomedical innovations to patients and users, at lower costs, and without the use of animals. This will lead to safer, more effective, and better medicines while reducing animal testing.

Together with a large number of national and international partners, the CPBT will work on the development and dissemination of animal-free biomedical innovations and expertise. The initial transition projects will focus on ALS, cystic fibrosis, osteoarthritis/rheumatic diseases, and asthma/COPD. The CPBT will implement the available and developed methods, tools, and expertise together with researchers and companies. The new centre will also offer education, training, advice, and support to enhance the acceptance and use of animal-free biomedical innovations. Combined, the CPBT will run an integrated programme that accelerates the transition to animal-free testing and strengthens the Dutch economy.

For our Ombion - CPBT programme, we are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled technician to support the Ombion validation unit in the development and standardisation of assays to replace animal testing. In addition to supporting the development- and standardization of assays, you will work closely together with the facility manager to ensure smooth operations of the laboratory facilities. Daily tasks will include, but are not limited to:

• cell culture: standard cell cultures as well as advanced cell culture models such as organ-on-a-chip and organoid cultures;
• general laboratory tasks: preparation of solutions and reagents, device maintenance and calibrations;
• inventory management: purchasing, stock checking and interaction with sales personnel;
• preparation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).

You will additionally have access to advanced automation infrastructure to improve reproducibility of developed assays and will work alongside automation experts and scientists to miniaturise and automate select assays.

Your profile ideally matches the following:

• You have completed a University of Applied Sciences (HBO) education in life sciences (or similar).
• You have a hands-on mentality and are excited to learn new laboratory techniques.
• You are well-organised and have a structured way of working.
• You are familiar with standard laboratory and molecular biology techniques (e.g. PCR, western blot, cell culture, imaging).
• You have proven experience with mammalian cell culture work and are proficient in sterile working techniques.
• Expertise in stem cell differentiation and other advanced cell culture models (e.g. 3D cell culture, organoids, organ-on-a-chip) is a huge plus.
• You are excited to work in a small team while supporting the animal-free transition in life science research.
• You are capable of efficiently managing your working time, work on different tasks simultaneously, and are able to deliver results in time showing flexibility.
• You value clear and efficient communication, and bring a positive ‘can-do’ attitude.
• The Ombion provides an international research environment, the ability to communicate in English and Dutch is therefore desired.

• A position for one year with the prospect of an extension;
• a working week of 32 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,057 and €3,985 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 7 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.

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.

At the Department of Clinical Sciences, you will work alongside approximately 150 veterinarians and a similar number of support staff. Approximately two-thirds of the veterinarians are specialists in various disciplines; the remaining one-third consists of interns, residents and PhD candidates. Together we are responsible for the education of veterinary students, provision of clinical services to horses and companion animals, and both clinical and more fundamental research in the areas of regenerative medicine, locomotion, genetics and reproduction.

For more information, please contact Professor Daniela Salvatori at d.salvatori@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.