Laboratory Technologist

1 - Working at the VUB

For almost 50 years, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has stood for freedom, equality and connectedness. These values are strongly present on our campuses, in our students as well as our staff. At the VUB, you’ll find a diverse collection of personalities: pure innovators and especially people who are 100% their authentic selves. With about 4000 employees, we are the largest Flemish-speaking employer in Brussels, an international city with which we are all too happy to be connected, and around which our four campuses are located.

2 - Position Description

As a laboratory technologist focusing on research and education, you will work within the Microbiology research group of the Bioengineering Sciences department, a dynamic interdisciplinary research environment where microbiology, synthetic biology and biodesign converge. 

Our mission revolves around the exploration and development of unconventional microbes as cell factories for the sustainable and bio-based production of chemicals and materials. With research lines in archaea, extremophiles, synthetic biology, mycelium materials and engineered living materials, we combine innovative biotechnology with fundamental research.

The research team consists of around 20 researchers, including biologists and engineers; artists and designers are also part of the group. We have a versatile research infrastructure at our disposal, with equipment for molecular biology research, microbial cultivation and biofabrication.

Some of your tasks will include:

• Providing practical guidance to students/researchers in basic biology lab techniques and the correct use of lab equipment and facilities
• Assisting in the design and implementation of research projects in microbiology and molecular biology, as well as in biodesign
• Assisting in the organisation of teaching practicals in microbiology and molecular biology.
• Ensure the safe handling, preparation and disposal of biological and chemical materials in accordance with applicable safety regulations.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, manage supplies and assist with the procurement of laboratory materials.
• Provide safety instructions and training, monitor compliance with protocols and ensure a clean, organised workspace.
• Manage the planning and efficient use of the laboratory, with special attention to the interdisciplinary laboratory areas, coordinate access and plan where necessary.

For this position, Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene) will be your home base.

3 - Profile

What do we expect from you?

• Bachelor's degree in biomedical laboratory techniques, biotechnology or a similar field.
• Knowledge of English and Dutch is a must.
• Work experience in one or more of the following areas is an advantage: biology and medical laboratory research, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, life sciences & technology, biopharmaceutical sciences.
• You are trained in safe microbiological techniques and enjoy training students in these techniques
• You have knowledge of basic chemicals and are willing to learn more about them
• You are curious, dedicated, open, proactive and ambitious
• You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment (with designers and engineers, among others) and are a true team player
• You enjoy working with international researchers and supervising students in practicals and thesis projects.
• You are motivated to further develop yourself in laboratory work and practice-oriented research into (biological) materials.
• Experience working with bacteria, archaea, filamentous fungi, bacterial cellulose and/or microalgae is an advantage.

VUB aims to reflect society, where everyone's talent is valued, regardless of gender, sex, age, religion, skin colour, migration background, disability, and neurodiversity.

4 - Offer

Are you going to be our new colleague? You’ll be offered a permanent full-time contract at a salary linked to grade 5 or 6, depending on your competences and previous relevant work experience.

At the VUB, you’re guaranteed an open, involved and diverse workplace where you are offered opportunities to (further) build on your career. As well as this, you’ll enjoy various benefits:

• Full reimbursement for your home-work commute with public transport according to VUB-policy, or compensation if you come by bike;
• Cost-free hospitalisation and group insurance with guaranteed income;
• The space to form your job content and continuously learn via VUB LRN;
• Excellent facilities for sport and exercise;
• Ecocheques;
• Delicious meals at attractive prices in our campus restaurants;
• An open, family-friendly work environment where attention is paid to work-life balance, and exceptional holiday arrangements with 35 days of leave (based on a fulltime contract).  

5 - Interested?

Is this the job you’ve been dreaming of? Apply before 15/10/2025. Send us your CV, letter of motivation and the highest degree you’ve attained (not applicable for VUB alumni).

Your application will undergo various steps as follows:

• Step 1: CV screening by one of our recruiters.
• Step 2: A comparative test, where we assess your approach and insight and aim to identify what is already going well and what you still need to learn.
• Step 3: The job interviews will be scheduled between 27 October and 7 November 2025.

   

Would you like to know what it’s like to work at the VUB?

Go to www.jobs.vub.be and find all there is to know about our campuses, benefits, strategic goals and your future colleagues.  

6 - For office use

Regulation: external funding

Contract: permanent

Head unit/faculty: Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences

FTE: 1

Function: Onderwijs- en onderzoeksmedewerker

Pay grade group: 5-6

Recrutement type: recruitment