Research Assistant, Human Stem Cell-based Neural Models - MPI

Job description
A Research Assistant position in Human Stem Cell-based Neural Models is available at the Language & Genetics Department of the Max Planck Institute, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. The position is in the research group of Simon Fisher, co-discoverer of FOXP2, the first gene to be implicated in a speech and language disorder.

MORE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION:

https://www.mpi.nl/career-education/vacancies/vacancy/research-assistant-human-stem-cell-based-neural-models

Some information can be found here, but in case of any discrepancies, the website of MPI is leading.
MPI is seeking a research assistant to support various projects investigating neurobiological consequences of rare gene disruptions associated with neurodevelopmental speech disorders, using human cell-based model systems. You will carry out your work in our custom-built molecular biology laboratories at the Max Planck Institute, which are equipped with dedicated cell-culture facilities, histology and RNA labs, single-cell and spatial analyses equipment, and advanced microscopy suites, including a confocal microscope, as well as a slide scanner for high-throughput imaging.

As a research assistant, you will primarily support the generation, maintenance, and functional characterisation of human stem cell-derived models that involve long-term, large-scale experiments. You will be supervised by and work with postdoctoral researcher(s) day-to-day and carry out experimental procedures in the laboratory. In addition to your laboratory experiments, you will perform important administrative and organizational tasks that are essential for maintaining and running the laboratory.

Your tasks will be diverse, and are expected to include, but are not limited to:

• Culture of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and iPSC-derived neuronal models, including 2D neurons and 3D brain organoids
• Functional and molecular characterization of the iPSCs and neuronal models via:
  
  • Immunostaining, cryosectioning, and microscopy
  • DNA/RNA extraction
  • (q)RT-PCR
  • Western blotting
• Generation of cell lines using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing methods
• Molecular cloning

Profile
You have a Bachelor degree and at least 2 years of laboratory experience in biological or biomedical research, i.e. Molecular or Cellular Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.

Essential

• Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture
• Well-organised, careful and consistent in planning and carrying out experimental procedures
• Works meticulously and reliably, with strong attention to details in both executing experiments and record keeping
• Able to produce robust and reproducible results
• Communicates clearly and effectively with supervisors and colleagues, both orally and in writing in English
• Able to work as part of a collaborative, international research team

Desirable

• Previous experience with human stem cell culture
• Generating and/or functionally characterizing stem-cell derived 2D neurons or brain organoids
• Experience running long-term, large-scale, or time-sensitive experiments

Advantageous

• Familiarity or experience with molecular and cell biological methods (e.g. DNA/RNA handling, (q)RT-PCR, Western blotting, molecular cloning)
• Familiarity or experience with gene editing methods

Well arranged
With us, you receive 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and – depending on your role – an irregular hours allowance ranging from 47% to 72%. In addition, you are entitled to 176 vacation hours per year (based on a 36-hour work week).

Compensation
You will receive a €0.18 per kilometer travel allowance. Public transport costs (2nd class) are fully reimbursed. If you work partly or entirely from home, you will receive €2.40 per home-working day. This way, everything is well arranged—wherever you work.

Flexible benefits scheme
With our flexible benefits scheme, you decide how to use part of your employment benefits. Purchase extra leave days or use your year-end bonus to buy a bicycle with tax benefits. You choose what suits you best.

Warm welcome
We believe a good start is important. Thanks to our onboarding app, you’ll be well prepared even before your first working day. During the introduction day, you’ll get to know your colleagues and our organization.

Changing allowance
If you are required to wear Radboudumc work clothing and change outside working hours, you will receive a changing allowance of €80 gross per month for a full-time position, provided this applies to your role.

Salary increase
At our organization, your work is valued. Your salary will increase in line with the collective labor agreement in two steps: by 3.5% as of July 1, 2026, and an additional 3.5% as of May 1, 2027. This means you’ll see a solid increase in your salary within a short period of time.

Work–life balance
We consider a healthy work–life balance essential. Through inspiring training sessions, mindfulness activities, and caregiver consultation hours, we support you in every phase of your life.

Growth and development
Our online learning environment offers a wide range of training courses, e-learnings, and educational programs—from professional specialization to personal development. This allows you to keep growing and make the most of your talents.

Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where our research groups strive for innovative solutions that make impact on health and healthcare. We challenge the status quo to overcome current and future health challenges. Our goal is to shape the future of healthcare for generations to come. Our focus is on prevention, sustainability, and meaningful care, which we achieve through our in-depth understanding of disease mechanisms, clinical science, public health research, medical technology and data science. Our approach is centered on breakthroughs that can truly enhance personalized healthcare and public health.

At Radboudumc, a comprehensive range of research programs provide the compass for our research efforts. Each program has a clear goal, where collaboration within and outside our organization is highly valued. We integrate care, education and research in partnership with our patients to ensure that our research programs have significant impact on health and healthcare. We invite you to join us in our mission to create a healthy future for all.

Place of work
Max Planck Institute (MPI)

At the Donders Institute you work on understanding the brain, cognition and behaviour in an international, multidisciplinary research environment. Together with over 700 researchers, you study language and communication, perception and decision‑making, development and plasticity, and natural computing and neurotechnology. You work with state‑of‑the‑art facilities in a centre recognised as excellent and as a stimulating place for both leading scientists and young talent. English is the working language throughout the institute.

Donders Institute
At the Donders Institute you work on understanding the brain, cognition and behaviour in an international, multidisciplinary research environment. Together with over 700 researchers, you study language and communication, perception and decision‑making, development and plasticity, and natural computing and neurotechnology.

You work with state‑of‑the‑art facilities in a centre recognised as excellent and as a stimulating place for both leading scientists and young talent. English is the working language throughout the institute.

• See mpi.nl/career-education/vacancies/vacancy/research-assistant-human-stem-cell-based-neural-models
• . . Please take this into account.
• This position requires a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).

Want to know more?
We’re happy to provide more information!

Mariëlle Langereis
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