1. You have a bachelor degree in biomedical sciences, biotechnology, biology or equivalent research field, or you are equivalent by demonstrable working experience (minimal 2 years).
2. You have a broad knowledge and experience in the field of microbiology (virology is a plus).
3. You have experience working in BSL-2 research facilities.
4. You have extensive knowledge of molecular virology techniques, including PCR/qRT-PCR methodology, Sanger and next-gen sequencing methods, DNA/RNA extraction and molecular cloning techniques.
5. You have prior hands-on experience with Nanopore sequencing.
6. You have bioinformatics experience related to the processing of sequencing data and have a basic understanding of the Linux command line.
7. You have basic experience with bash/python scripting.
8. The candidate must be able to adapt to changing research priorities and be able to quickly learn and implement new techniques and technologies.
9. You have strong analytical skills and attention to detail and can accurately perform experiments, analyze data, and solve technical problems. Experience working under strict quality control/assurance is a preference.
10. You can design and optimize protocols and workflows independently.
11. You can work efficiently as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with researchers and technicians in a multinational environment.
12. You have the necessary time management and organizational skills to prioritize tasks, maintain detailed records, and ensure experiments are completed on time.
13. You have experience with laboratory management skills, including the ability to write protocols/SOPs.
14. You have good written and verbal communication skills and can present findings to colleagues in a clear and understandable manner.
15. You are fluent in both written and spoken English.
The VirusBank Platform is currently looking for a technician with molecular microbiology experience to further expand its research activities related to the generation of reverse-engineered viruses and related constructs, and the use of Nanopore sequencing for quality control of viral constructs and stocks. The role requires hands-on experience with molecular virology techniques, in particular PCR and the cloning of plasmids. As a member of the VirusBank Platform team, the candidate will support the day-to-day operations of the VirusBank Platform and contribute to the expansion of the VirusBank Platform toolbox portfolio by the testing new methodologies. Your responsibilities will include performing experiments, reporting results, and contributing to the optimization of new reverse genetics and whole virus genome sequencing methods.Within this main assignment, the following responsibilities are also expected:
16. Drafting new standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training of technicians
17. Drafting workflows for data analysis, performing the actual analyses, visualizing the results and reporting and discussing them with the team
It is likely that future dangerous viruses will belong to one of the virus families with high epidemic or pandemic potential. The VirusBank Platform is a research laboratory, recently established with the financial support of the Belgian federal government, with the mission to better prepare human society for future viral epidemics/pandemics. The VirusBank Platform is building a strategic collection of representative viruses, together with a set of test models and systems for a selected group of high-priority virus families.By bringing together a wide range of expertise and models under one umbrella, the platform facilitates the research and development of vaccines, antibodies and antivirals against both known and unknown viruses.
18. We offer a full-time fixed-term contract of 1 year with possibility of extension, subject to positive evaluation.
19. You will receive training in a young, dynamic, multidisciplinary and international team with access to an excellent research infrastructure.
20. We offer a job in which you will have a lot of independence and responsibility, an environment in which you will gain a lot of experience, and the possibility to give the best of yourself to help to make a difference.
21. If you are immediately available for all assignments in this position, you will start in grade 6. Promising candidates who cannot yet take up all assignments immediately or who still have to go through a specific training program start in grade 5. Grade 7 is exceptionally reserved for candidates who already can take on extra responsibilities because of extensive knowledge and experience.