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The VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research is part of the VIB life sciences institute and is embedded within the University of Leuven which ranks among the world s top 50 universities. At our center, researchers study the cellular mechanisms of neuronal function in health and disease.

The VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research hosts several top-notch research facilities, one of which is the Single Cell & Microfluidics Expertise unit. To remain at the forefront of single-cell research, the unit works with two core components: 1. The unit facilitates support and provides expertise to departmental researchers and industrial partners with state-of-the-art single-cell and spatial workflows. 2. the unit actively collaborates with departmental investigators to develop novel cutting edge single cell and spatial technologies to accelerate single-cell research. For smooth and consistent service operations, the unit actively collaborates with other stakeholders in Leuven: the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research Single Cell Bioinformatics unit, VIB Flow Core (Leuven), VIB Single Cell Core, VIB Techwatch, and UZ Leuven Genomics Core. More details:

To support the work in our Single Cell & Microfluidics expertise unit we are looking for an energetic, highly-motivated, and ambitious research associate to join the team.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will play a central role in supporting the daily activities of the unit. Some of the key responsibilities include:

• You will be involved in the daily operations of droplet microfluidics-based single-cell assays (e.g., 10x Genomics, HyDrop); plate-based assays (e.g., Smart-Seq3xpress, BD Rhapsody), and spatial omics techniques (e.g., Visium, Resolve, VizGen, Stereo-seq, Seqscope).
• Independently assist in performing single-cell and spatial multi-omics experiments for different labs on a daily basis.
• Writing and keeping up-to-date documentation such as Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs), ELN maintenance & update, and keeping track of experimental and time logs.
• You will support the implementation of novel single-cell and spatial techniques and the optimization of techniques for robust service workflows.
• You will assist the unit leader with the single cell expertise unit organization, such as lab maintenance, assurance of consumable stocks, and concomitant orderings.

Profile

Essential

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in bio-engineering or other life science programs including biochemistry, biology, biomedical sciences, or related fields.
• Wetlab experience preferably in a genomics/genetics lab.
• Strong expertise in molecular biology (PCR, qPCR, and other DNA/RNA library preparation and purification methods).
• You are flexible and willing to learn new technologies and you are eager to expand your skills and are not easily discouraged during the process.
• You must be meticulous, detail-oriented, independent, self-motivated, proactive, and have a sense of responsibility. You are a team player and able to interact well with other members/users of the research unit. A service-oriented mindset is an absolute requirement.
• Effective communication skills. Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential.
• You have basic computer skills, and you are familiar with the standard MS Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Not required, but useful

• Background in single-cell sequencing techniques (RNAseq and ATACseq)
• Experience/knowledge of next-generation sequencing (Illumina platform).
• Experience with (droplet) microfluidics.
• Experience with liquid automation
• Experience with cell/tissue culture, immunohistochemistry, cryostat

We offer

• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure in the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research.
• An opportunity to develop strong expertise in the field of single-cell technologies working in close collaboration with Stein Aerts lab.
• You will be trained in a wide spectrum of state-of-the-art single-cell and spatial sequencing techniques: including 10X Genomics workflows, SMART seq 2, SMART seq 3xpress, Visium, BGI Stereomics, SlideSeq, etc, and other in-house developed techniques such as HyDrop, SeqScope, etc.
• An exciting opportunity to work in the interface of technology and biology, apply a diverse methodological skillset, explore state-of-the-art technologies and work with a large variety of experimental systems.
• A stimulating international research environment, working in a field with high translational potential
• An open-ended contract
• Competitive salary and benefits

Starting Date: the position is immediately available

How to apply?

Please complete the online application procedure and include a detailed CV, a motivation letter describing your previous research experience, and the contact information of (preferably) several references.

For more information: please contact .

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