Lab Technician — iPSC Microglia and Lab Operations

The Mancuso lab studies microglia — the resident immune cells of the brain — and their role in neurodegenerative disease. We generate microglia from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) apply them in disease-relevant model systems and use them to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying conditions such as Alzheimers disease and ALS.

We are recruiting a lab technician to support both our experimental work and the day-to-day operation of the lab. The position combines hands-on tissue culture and bench support for iPSC microglia differentiations with responsibility for inventory ordering and supplier management. Both sides of the role are essential to keep our research moving.

• Bench support. Maintain sterile tissue culture prepare media and reagents and support iPSC microglia differentiations including passaging freezing and thawing.
• Routine laboratory techniques. Pipetting dilutions buffer preparation and basic molecular biology in support of ongoing experiments.
• Inventory management. Maintain an accurate well-organized stock of consumables cytokines media and reagents and ensure critical supplies are always available.
• Ordering and supplier liaison. Place orders track deliveries manage quotes and resolve issues with suppliers promptly.
• Process improvement. Contribute to the design and refinement of our inventory and ordering systems. This is a newly created position with scope to shape how it operates.

• Bachelors degree in life sciences biomedical sciences biotechnology or a related field. We encourage bachelors students that completed their studies at a Hogeschool to apply.
• Demonstrated experience with sterile tissue culture is required including confident use of a laminar flow hood and sound aseptic technique.
• Solid grounding in routine laboratory techniques including pipetting cell counting dilutions buffer preparation and basic molecular biology.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the discipline to keep accurate records and a well-maintained workspace.
• Comfortable working with digital tools including ordering platforms inventory systems and standard office software.
• A proactive reliable team member with good communication skills and a constructive approach to problem-solving.
• Considered an asset: prior experience with iPSCs or other stem cell systems microglia or immune cell biology or establishing lab inventory and ordering workflows.

• A one-year contract with extension after positive evaluation.
• Full reimbursement for public transport commuting.
• Bike allowance if you commute by bicycle.
• Eco-cheques as part of our benefits package.
• A generous annual leave policy including additional collective leave during the universitys closure between Christmas and New Year.
• A varied position combining bench work lab operations and process design with genuine scope to shape the role.
• A position within VIB one of Europes leading life-sciences institutes working on disease-relevant human microglia.
• Opportunities to develop your technical skills in iPSC culture differentiations and downstream assays as you grow with the lab.
• A collaborative scientifically engaged team and a supportive working environment.

Please apply via the VIB online career platform ( with your CV and a brief motivation letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the position.

In case of questions dont hesitate to reach out to .