Senior Technician - Cell Therapy Lab

Welcome to Maastricht University!
Join a vibrant, international community where curiosity, collaboration, and innovation drive cutting-edge research. At UM, you will thrive in a stimulating environment at the heart of Europe.
 

• Our goal: Our goal is to advance regenerative medicine for vision-threatening diseases, translating scientific discoveries from bench to bedside.
• Your colleagues: You will be part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary team of ~15 researchers, PhD candidates, students, and support staff, sharing expertise in cell therapies and regenerative medicine.

Senior Technician – Cell Therapy Lab at MERLN

 
About the role
The Cell Therapy Lab at Maastricht University is looking for an experienced Senior Laboratory Technician to support our research on cell-based therapies for vision-threatening diseases of the cornea and ocular surface. Our research covers the full spectrum from basic molecular studies and pre-clinical research to clinical translation. 

As a key member of the lab, you will:

• Maintain high-quality cell cultures, particularly induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs);
• Perform molecular and cellular assays, including qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and histological stainings;
• Contribute to pre-clinical in vivo studies;
• Support project and laboratory management, ensuring smooth operation of research and educational activities;
• Optionally, participate in teaching activities.

We are looking for someone with strong laboratory skills who can work independently, is proactive, flexible, and communicative. Prior knowledge of ophthalmology is not required, but a willingness to learn is essential.

What You Bring 
We are seeking an experienced technician, ideally with a PhD or equivalent expertise, who:

• Has high proficiency in English (Dutch is not required).
• Has hands-on experience in:
  o    Cell culture, particularly pluripotent stem cells.
  o    Cell and molecular biology, including qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence.
  o    Pre-clinical in vivo studies (holding an Art. 9 certification or equivalent).
  o    Lab and project management, including training, and organizational skills.

If you thrive in a collaborative environment and are motivated to advance cell-based therapies, we would love to welcome you to our team.

What we offer
As a Senior Technician at MERLN Institute, you will join the most international university in the Netherlands. We offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 8 or 9 according to UFO profile Research Officer, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €3.382,00 and €5.057,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment  of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 0.8 - 1.0 FTE . Upon proven suitability, the employment contract will be converted to an indefinite contract.
• 29 vacation days (full-time) and four additional days off.
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and hybrid working options.
• Freedom and space to organize your work independently and develop your own ideas.
• A solid pension plan via ABP, access to company fitness schemes, and a wide range of sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe. 
   

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
FHML is dedicated to health in the broadest sense of the word: from molecule to human being, and from healthcare to prevention. We educate healthcare professionals and researchers through innovative study programmes, and conduct groundbreaking research in the field of health and well-being. As part of Maastricht UMC+ (MUMC+), our international and interdisciplinary community represents a unique collaboration between university and academic hospital, where education, research and healthcare come together.

About MERLN Institute
The position is part of Dr Vanessa LaPointe’s laboratory at the MERLN Institute (www.lapointelab.com). MERLN fosters a collaborative, international, and interdisciplinary environment with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.

International applicants
MERLN hosts researchers from around the globe and Maastricht University is the most international university in the Netherlands. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow.

Maastricht is centrally located in Europe, near Belgium, Germany, France, and Luxembourg, with excellent transport links. The city offers a family-friendly, multicultural environment, high-quality international and local schools, and a vibrant cultural life. 

Why work at Maastricht University?
At Maastricht University, we look ahead. To the future of our students, whom we prepare with a strong and versatile foundation for the rest of their lives. And to the future of society, as our researchers explore innovative solutions to the challenges the world is facing today and tomorrow. With six diverse faculties, UM offers an environment where education and research truly come together.

Does being part of such an international, forward-looking environment excite you? Whether you want to make an impact through groundbreaking research, inspiring education, or essential support, your unique contribution is valued and welcomed at Maastricht University. Together, we shape the future.
Click here for more information about UM. 

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Dr Vanessa LaPointe via v.lapointe@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information. Do you have any questions regarding the procedure, please contact Lisa Turcotte (Recruiter) at lisa.turcotte@maastrichtuniversity.nl 

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Senior Technician? Apply now, no later than 28-9-2025, for this position.

Please attach a CV and answer the questions in the application. Do not include any additional documents (e.g., references, diplomas, etc.) as they will not be considered.
 
Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been appointed. As such, please apply as soon as possible.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.