At the Toxicology Division we aim to improve the scientific basis of chemical risk assessment through fundamental and applied innovative research, teaching and training in mechanistic and predictive toxicology and exposure assessment. We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative technician to achieve these goals and strengthen our Toxicology Division.
You will be working in the Neurotoxicology Research Group. This research group is focused on investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of toxic substances on the (developing) nervous system by using in vitro approaches. You will support (PhD) students and researchers working on diverse projects that all aim to investigate the potential adverse effects of diverse environmental chemicals on neuronal function and brain health in vitro.

You will culture and improve various in vitro models (cell lines, primary cultures, induced pluripotent stem cells) to elucidate if environmental chemicals can reach the brain and can ultimately affect neuronal development, function and viability. To do so, you will use various techniques, ranging from biochemical assays to immunohistochemistry, cellular imaging (fluorescence microscopy) and microelectrode array (MEA) recordings. In addition, part of your work will focus on repair and maintenance of laboratory equipment as well as developing (software) improvements for data analysis.

Candidates should have a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc)/HLO degree (or equivalent) in the field of life and/or biomedical sciences, with a strong interest in cellular (neuro)toxicology and data-analysis. The candidate should have good verbal and written communication skills. Experience with (neuronal) cell culture techniques, cellular imaging techniques, and/or affinity with software, data analyses, statistics and repair/maintenance of laboratory equipment is considered a plus.

This is an appointment of 0.8 FTE for the duration of 1 year in case of a good performance an extension of 2 years is possible. The minimum gross salary is € 2.329 and the maximum gross salary is € 3.548 (scale 7/8 of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities) per month, at a full-time employment.
Besides that, you will receive a holiday allowance of 8 % and a year-end bonus of 8.3 %. Utrecht University also has an appealing package of terms of employment, including the choice for a good balance between work and private (a good arrangement for leave, among other things), possibilities for development and an excellent pension scheme. More information on working at Utrecht University can be found here.

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 societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has a unique position in the Netherlands. Not only is this the only institution where veterinarians are trained, researchers are also working together on innovative scientific research. In addition, the faculty provides specialist clinical care in the largest academic veterinary hospital in Europe. Thanks to this position, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is a point of contact for all veterinary matters, both nationally and increasingly internationally. The faculty employs approximately 900 veterinarians, scientists and support staff and counts 1.500 students.

IRAS is an inter-facultary research institute within the faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine. Our mission is to provide education and research on the human and environmental health risks of exposure to potentially harmful agents in the environment where research takes places within the domains Toxicology, Environmental Epidemiology and Veterinary Public Health. The project will be performed within the Toxicology division.