The Flanders Marine Institute is currently looking for a dedicated and skilled full-time laboratory junior technician to support laboratory work and other research tasks in the VLIZ Research Department, in particular on the topic of plastic pollution. This role will involve working with microplastics and macroplastics, conducting laboratory analyses, and assisting with student mentoring and training. You will be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and teamwork. The successful candidate will assist with the laboratory and field work, with the possibility to board the Research Vessels Simon Stevin and Abbé Mann. The position is available to start immediately.
Our offer
- A contract of 2 years (with the possibility of an extension) in a vibrant and international environment at Innovocean Campus and the Ocean Innovation Space (OIS).
- A competitive remuneration package based on the candidate's qualifications and experience according to the salary scales set forth by the Flemish Government on 01-01-2009.
- Additional benefits: holiday allowance, end of year allowance, meal vouchers, bicycle allowance, the possibility for bicycle lease, free public transport between home and work.
- A good work-life balance through a generous leave package, flexible working hours within a 38-hour working week.
- In-house training in equipment use and sampling techniques, and close support by a team of experienced co-workers.
- Opportunities for personal development (training).
Your tasks
- Plan and execute laboratory and field work, including plastic pollution related work.
- Assisting in writing and reviewing protocols and instructions.
- Prepare samples for testing and using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment (e.g. FT-IR, fluorescence microscopy, etc).
- Maintain accurate and organized laboratory and field work records.
- Maintain microalgae and invertebrate cultures.
- Routine preparation, labelling and storage of reagents, samples, etc.
- Ensure the laboratory is well-stocked and resourced.
- Follow established procedures, policies, and health and safety regulations.
- Keep equipment and work areas clean and well-maintained.
- Provide training and support to junior colleagues, students, and interns in laboratory and field work.
For each function, VLIZ considers enthusiastic involvement, service minded, excellent professionalism and integrity as important characteristics.
Your profile
- Professional hands-on Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory science or in a relevant scientific field.
- Strong technical knowledge, including both laboratory (molecular, toxicology) and sampling techniques or willingness to learn on the job.
- Knowledge of Good laboratory practices (GLP) and safety procedures.
- Broad interest in marine scientific research.
- Willingness to learn from other research fields by attending internal seminars.
- Eagerness to learn new techniques and to assist in method development tasks.
- Results-oriented working attitude, while keeping a critical perspective.
- Self-motivated, proactive, demonstrates strong collaboration skills and is committed to fostering a positive team-oriented work environment.
- Flexibility to work in a scientific multicultural environment, including flexible work hours for field work or follow-up experiments, but also interacting within a diverse team of colleagues and working topics.
- Good mentoring skills and willingness to mentor junior colleagues and students.
- Experience in microscopy, molecular biology techniques, toxicology testing or on plastic pollution is a plus.
- Strong communication skills (oral, written) in English (required).
- Good level of the Dutch language (preferred).
- A valid driver’s license (preferred).
About us
Over the last 25 years, the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) has become a knowledge institution indispensable to the marine research landscape. What started as an institute focusing on science support, has evolved into a national and international point of contact for marine research. VLIZ initiates and carries out multidisciplinary research and supports marine experts by providing research infrastructure, data, information and knowledge. VLIZ supports the blue economy and reaches out to a broad public. VLIZ further broadens its marine horizons and aims at becoming a world player in the field of marine and coastal research.
A stimulating working environment forms the base of our flourishing knowledge institute. The well-being of our employees comes first. VLIZ is looking for colleagues who, with their passion and knowledge, want to strengthen our growing institute and face the blue challenges of the future.
Additional information
For more information concerning this vacancy, please contact Dr Ana Catarino via ana.catarino@vliz.be.
Does this vacancy appeal to you?
Send in your cover letter and CV (in English please) no later than 25 March 2025. Please include two references.
By mail to jobs@vliz.be with subject “2025_006_Technical Assistant Research”.
You can contact us by telephone on +32 (0)59 33 60 00.
VLIZ promotes equality and diversity in the workplace. You will be recruited based on competencies. Qualities of people are decisive, regardless of gender, religion, ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation or any disability.
Do you have a disability? Please attach a document to your application so that we can adapt our selection procedure where necessary. This information will be handled with discretion.
Procedure
Based on the received cover letters and CV’s, a select group of candidates will be invited for a job interview. You will be informed by email. The job interviews [in English] will take place in the offices of VLIZ (or exceptionally online) during the second half of April (exact date to be confirmed).