Scientist – qPCR/dPCR assay development

07/11/23

Location

Technologiepark 82, Zwijnaarde, Belgium

Vacancy

Biogazelle, a CellCarta company

Biogazelle, a CellCarta company is a specialty CRO offering RNA and DNA quantification services in a quality environment, supporting the pharmaceutical and biotech industry in their drug development programs. To this purpose, Biogazelle has established various state-of-the-art methods for nucleic acid quantification including massively parallel sequencing, quantitative PCR and digital PCR, supported by unique data-analysis tools. Biogazelle’s services range from early-stage drug discovery to translational and clinical studies and across multiple drug modalities (small molecule, gene therapy, adoptive cell therapy). Our laboratories are ISO17025 accredited for several services and, in the context of clinical studies, we work following the GCLP guidelines.

Built on a culture of high-quality science with core values of passion, courage, collaboration, and open communication, Biogazelle offers a unique work environment. You will join a dynamic, flexible, and growing company and become part of a motivated and young team. You will be able to work in a stimulating atmosphere where personal input and taking responsibility are encouraged, with opportunities for personal development and growth.

To expand our team in Technologiepark, Zwijnaarde (Belgium), we are looking for a Scientist with proven hands-on skills in the nucleic acid quantification field (genome/transcriptome) to support our assay development team.

Description and goal of the function

As a Scientist, you will coordinate internal projects, oversee and plan lab resources, coach lab technicians, support on different levels as subject matter expert by sharing scientific expertise and knowledge and execute hands-on lab work. The focus of the service projects you will handle is the development and validation of novel qPCR or dPCR assays, but may also include internal R&D projects as well as applied research conducted for our clients.

Responsibilities and tasks:

  • Prepare and coordinate the work of a team of lab technicians during project execution for several projects in parallel. You are responsible for planning and organization, ad hoc problem solving, implementation of solutions and decision making for your assigned projects in the wet-lab.

  • Manage internal projects from experiment design to data analysis and scientific reporting.

  • Support the dry lab, project management, and business development teams by sharing your technical and scientific expertise and knowledge.

  • Occasionally execute wet lab work to understand the practical aspects of (new) techniques or help develop demanding applications.

  • Coaching colleagues during internal training sessions or troubleshooting.

  • Work according to the internal lab standards (IS0 17025, GCLP guideline), follow and apply the internal procedures, with the assistance of the quality department.

  • Ensure proper recordkeeping during all aspects of your activities and guarantee complete traceability by making adequate and timely registrations.

  • Keep up to date with recent developments in the field (literature, webinar, conferences, etc.).

Competences and skills

  • A master's degree in biomedical sciences, biotechnology, bioscience engineering or equivalent.

  • Experience with transcriptome profiling, genomic research and gene expression technologies is a must (definitely the wet-lab part).  More specifically, we look for profound and practical experience with quantitative or digital PCR (including method development or optimization), preferably in a non-academic setting.

  • Experience in supervising lab technicians or students.

  • Having worked in the field of biomarker research, clinical trials, drug development or in vitro diagnostics is a nice to have.

  • Excellent writing- and reporting/presentation skills (scientific level).

  • Excellent written/verbal communication skills with the proven ability to effectively communicate across different levels of the organization and with customers.

  • Customer and result-oriented attitude.

  • Proven planning, organizational and problem-solving skills.

  • Able to handle multiple projects and changing priorities.

  • Constructive mindset and real team player helping teams to overcome roadblocks.

  • Driven, energetic, autonomous, and proactive.

  • Preferably Dutch as mother tongue, fluent in English (writing and speaking).

Our offer

  • A full-time position in a growing company with a young and dynamic team.

  • A financial package according to your experience, extended with legal benefits (meal vouchers, eco cheques, hospitalization insurance, public transport, and bicycle allowance).

  • Holidays: 20 days legal holiday + 12 ADV days.

  • Professional development and training opportunities.

  • Open, flexible, and informal working atmosphere.

How to apply?

Please send your application letter and CV to hr@biogazelle.com

Carefully document relevant hands-on techniques, scientific knowledge, competences, and skills.

Job application