Laboratory Technician Biofabrication and Open Innovation Lab

Are you a (senior) lab technician passionate about biofabrication, advanced equipment, and regenerative medicine? Join one of the world's most innovative centers to support translating innovative ATMP therapies into clinical manufacturing.

Dit ga je doen

As a laboratory technician, you will play a key role in the practical and technical execution of our research and development activities. You will be deeply involved in setting up, maintaining, and operating a wide range of biofabrication set-ups, including advanced (bio-)printers, rheometers, and analytical instruments. You will execute and contribute to biofabrication and bioengineering workflows in close collaboration with our multidisciplinary team of experts. 

In addition to the technical aspects, you will be involved in the coordination and support of (external) users working in the lab. You will help them navigate our facility, understand their needs, and translate these into technical support or tailored solutions. You will play an important role in maintaining a welcoming, professional, and service-oriented lab environment, where start-ups, researchers, and industry partners feel supported and inspired to innovate. 

Your day-to-day work will combine hands-on experimentation with technical troubleshooting, optimization, and equipment calibration to ensure that research workflows run smoothly and efficiently. You will also be involved in training (external) members of our facility, providing hands-on instruction on the proper and safe use of laboratory equipment before they are authorized to operate it independently. 

This lab-oriented and technically diverse position requires literature research, effective experimentation, thorough analysis, and clear presentation of results. Critical thinking, strong organizational skills, and the ability to multitask are essential competencies for success in this role. You will work on projects for both academic and commercial clients, which requires strong communication skills and the ability to shift between projects efficiently. 

Since ICAT is a young and growing facility, you will also help establish new infrastructure and contribute to writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions (WIs). This also provides a unique opportunity to help shape the center and further define your own role over time. 

Tasks:

• Operation, calibration, and maintenance of biofabrication equipment (e.g. bioprinters, rheometers, imaging systems);
• Active involvement in training students, researchers and clients in the use of the equipment present in the ICAT laboratories;
• Supporting the research and development on bioprinting of materials and cells (e.g., hydrogels, polymers, bioinks, medical-grade materials) and subsequent cellular behavior;
• Writing and maintaining SOPs and WIs and participating in protocol optimization and process troubleshooting;
• Ensuring lab organization, cleanliness, and safety and maintenance of general lab equipment and reagents.

Hier ga je werken

We would like to welcome you to the Innovation Center for Advanced Therapies (ICAT), a facility part of the UMC Utrecht. ICAT’s mission is to accelerate the translation of innovative cell, gene, and tissue therapies (ATMPs).  ICAT centralizes key expertise and works closely with researchers, clinicians, and GMP experts to bridge early R&D and clinical implementation. Using state-of-the-art biofabrication and analytical technologies, it accelerates the translation of advanced research into therapeutic applications and production processes ready for clinical use. We support both academia and industry in navigating the path from bench to bedside. 

The ICAT consists of three facilities: 

• Open Innovation Lab: offering flexible memberships to start-ups, providing access to lab and office space as well as advanced biofabrication and process development equipment.
• GMP Simulation Facility: focusses on process development of ATMP concepts in a controlled setting to identify challenges early and streamline the path toward GMP production.
• GMP Production Facility: located at UMC Utrecht, features GMP cleanrooms that enable GMP-compliant ATMP production and release. 

In this role, you will also closely collaborate with colleagues at the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht (RMCU), working together to translate scientific and technological discoveries into patient benefit.

Dit neem je mee

We are looking for a technically skilled and hands-on laboratory technician who enjoys working with complex equipment and advanced experimental setups. You are structured, well organized, and pragmatic, with a creative and critical attitude. You are autonomous and feel comfortable designing and running your own experiments while working in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. You take ownership of projects and find satisfaction in both the technical execution and the biological outcomes of your work. 

You also have:

• A Master of Science or a Higher Laboratory Education (HLO) in biotechnology or life sciences, preferably with 3 to 5 years of experience;
• Experience with drafting experimental projects and carrying them out independently;
• All-round laboratory technician or biological-medical analyst experience in industry or academia is a plus;
• Experience with biomaterials and cell culture, preferably under GLP/GMP quality environment;
• Proven experience in bioprinting, 3D tissue culture, and analysis;
• Knowledge of biomolecular analysis techniques (e.g., (immuno)histochemistry, tissue preparation for histology, dynamic mechanical analysis, rheology, ELISA);
• Experience with microscopy, imaging systems, or flow cytometry;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and a service-oriented mindset;
• Proven proficiency in written and spoken English.

Dit bieden we jou

• A salary between € 3430,- and € 4562,- gross per month (salary scale 8), based on full-time employment (36 hours). 
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%. 
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution. 
• 100% public transport reimbursement. Are you coming on foot, by bike or by car? You will then receive a reimbursement of € 0.18 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way). 
• Possibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally. 
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.