Vacancy Research Technician Malaria Vaccine Development

Job description

We are looking for a research technician with excellent laboratory, organisational and record keeping skills. Experience in cell culturing, safe microbiological techniques, and protein expression and purification are preferred. Will you join our ambitious team? 

Malaria, caused by an infection with Plasmodium falciparum parasites, continues to be one of the most devastating diseases causing more than 500,000 deaths annually, mainly young children in sub-Saharan Africa. The parasite has a complex life cycle, alternating between human and mosquito hosts. Currently, there are only two approved malaria vaccines available. However, these vaccines only provides partial protection underscoring the need to identify and develop other vaccine candidates.

We have recently identified a new vaccine candidate that can block parasite transmission to mosquitoes and as such could contribute to the elimination and eradication of malaria. Furthermore, we are developing vaccines that target multiple life cycle stages of the malaria parasite, preventing both infection of the human host and transmission to mosquitoes.

We are looking for a research technician to join our malaria transmission team and support the preclinical development of the newly discovered and multistage vaccine candidates. You will be involved in recombinant expression and purification of the vaccine antigens, purification and characterisation of antibodies, measuring antibody responses in sera, and assessing the efficacy of the antibodies in vitro and in vivo.

You will also support the malaria research group. This work involves working with experienced colleagues in preparing experiments where parasites are offered to mosquitoes in the presence of antibodies or sera, and processing mosquitoes for determining their infection status. 

Place of work

The department of Medical Microbiology hosts a world-leading yet young and vibrant malaria research group led by a team of principle investigators with expertise in the entire spectrum of malaria research ranging from fundamental biology to vaccine development and field studies. This unique combination of expertise and the excellent resources that include mosquitoes breeding and automated parasite culture facilities enable the study of the entire complex Plasmodium life cycle. You will join the malaria vaccine development team, led by Dr. Matthijs Jore.

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.

Profile

As a research technician, you possess an independent and well-structured working style, consistently demanding high quality in your own work. You also have excellent organizational and record-keeping skills, along with well-developed social skills, which are essential for working in an interdisciplinary and international team. Additionally, your interpersonal and communication skills are outstanding.

Moreover: 

• Bachelor (HBO) degree in medical laboratory research (hlo) with a specialization in Molecular Life Sciences, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or related subject.
• Experience in cell culture, safe microbiological techniques, and protein expression and purification.
• Full professional proficiency in English.

Employment conditions

At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• A gross monthly salary between € 2.975 and € 4.214 (scale 7M) for full-time employment (36 hours per week). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and, depending on the position, an allowance of 47% to 72% for working irregular hours.
• From 1 July 2025 an increase in salary with 3%.
• 176 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. 

And there is more..

• An Employment Conditions Selection Model, allowing you to use part of your employment conditions to your choosing. For example, you can use your gross salary to purchase additional vacation hours or hours for providing informal caregiving. Or, for example, you can use your gross end-of-year bonus to purchase a bicycle, so you pay less tax.
• Plenty of opportunities for personal development. You can take a variety of courses in our online learning environment. 
• Your well-being and vitality are a priority. For example:
  • Save time for work-life balance leave. 
  • You can enjoy unlimited access to a variety of activities five days a month and take advantage of all the facilities at Radboud Sport & Culture for only €27.05 per month (instead of €41)
  • Healthy Professionals program to help you manage your energy. 
  • Company Support Team and a personal coach if you are going through a life-changing event.
  • Financially beneficial working less through a Generation Scheme as you approach state pension age.
• Support in achieving a good work-life balance at every stage of your life. Examples:
  • Advice and courses on, for example, 'Millennial dilemmas' and 'Your Career After 57'.
  • Activities at our own mindfulness center.
  • Informal caregiving consultations if you have questions about juggling work and caregiving responsibilities at home.
• In addition to statutory pregnancy and maternity leave, Radboud university medical center offers 26 weeks of parental leave, nine of which are paid. In addition, as a partner you can take a maximum of five weeks of supplementary partner leave. During supplementary partner leave and parental leave, we supplement the UWV benefit up to 100% of your salary.
• Pension accrual at the ABP Pension Fund. Radboud university medical center pays 70% of the pension premium. 
• Discounts on supplementary packages of two group health insurances and ten other types of insurance, from home insurance to legal assistance.
• An allowance for your commuting costs of € 0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km one way. If you use public transport to commute, we will fully reimburse the public transport costs (2nd class). If you regularly work from home, you will receive a working from home allowance of € 2.40 per day.

Application procedure

Are you ready to think further for our patients and our care? We would like to receive your application including a motivation letter (in English; max. 1 page), a CV and the names and contact details of two persons who can provide references to Dr. Jore before 19 March 2025. We will then contact you shortly. The job interviews takes place in week 13. We would appreciate it if you would take this into account.

Good to know

• This position requires a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
• You can find more information about our application procedure and frequently asked questions on our website.
• Will you be our new colleague? Then you will be given the time and space to get to know your role, your workplace, and your colleagues. An induction day for all new colleagues is an integral part of your onboarding program. 

We are recruiting for this position ourselves. Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated, but do feel free to share the vacancy in your network!

Contact

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then call, send a message or email to Dr. Matthijs Jore. Use the Apply button to submit your application.