Lab technician

Work Activities

As a laboratory assistant in the Living Systems Center, you will perform a broad range of molecular biology / biochemical laboratory work in an interdisciplinary, academic environment. You will become part of a vibrant group of young researchers consisting of master's students, PhD students, postdocs and other technicians in the Living Systems Center. We work together to understand living systems at different scales; from single molecules to cells and even multicellular systems such as organoids and whole organisms. 

This position is associated with the Physics of Behavior group. This group investigates how cells (such as E. coli bacteria) and mutlicellular organisms (such as symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi) perceive their environment and control their behavior, using microscopy, genetics, and increasingly robotics / machine learning. 

Your main duties will be:

• Performing molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, DNA isolation, sequence analysis and cloning;
• Strain construction in bacteria (E. coli) using homologous recombination techniques;
• Growth and maintenance of biological samples (especially plant-mycorrhizal symbiotic cultures) for robotic experiments;
• Developing, and maintaining a biological sample database for robotic experiments;
• Monitoring and management tasks associated with biological data production in the group;

Carrying out general lab work and organization, together with the bio-technician team, such as cell culture, cloning, etc.; advising lab users on safe working practices in collaboration with the biological safety officer (BVF), and organizing the lab stock.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this position:

• Has an applied science degree/vocational training (equivalent to Dutch HLO), or related training;
• Has advanced knowledge of molecular biological techniques and experience with wet lab work;
• Has a strong affinity also for management of biological data;
• Is practical and experienced with one or more of the techniques listed above (under main duties);
• Enjoys trouble-shooting protocols and learning new techniques;
• Competently manages multiple assignments simultaneously;
• Works independently, shows initiative and is a team player.
• Can maintain an overview of multiple assignments simultaneously;
• Is an excellent communicator proficient in the English language and at least basic knowledge of the Dutch language;

Desirable : more than 5 years of work experience in a biological laboratory, practical with chromosomal genetics in bacteria (E. coli), and experience managing laboratory databases (for samples, experiments, etc.).

Work environment

AMOLF is a part of NWO-I and initiate and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and to create new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 140 researchers and 80 support employees. www.amolf.nl

Within the Living Systems Center of the NWO Institute AMOLF, four research groups work closely together on fundamental research into the functions of molecular to cellular systems and multi-cellular organisms.

In this position, you will become part of a team of four bio technicians supporting the four groups and you will be linked to the Physics of Behavior group.

Working conditions

• The working atmosphere at the institute is largely determined by young, enthusiastic, mostly foreign employees. Communication is informal and runs through short lines of communication.
• The position is for – 40 hours per week and an employment contract for two years, with the intention of subsequently offering permanent employment.
• Salary is on scale 7 or 8, with a maximum of € 4.634,00 gross per month (depending on your education and experience), plus a holiday allowance and end-of-year bonus.
• Our excellent fringe benefits can be consulted here. On-the-job training and study facilities are self-evident.

More information?

More information about the position can be obtained from; 

Prof. Dr. Tom Shimizu

Group Leader Physics of Behavior

Email: shimizu@amolf.nl 

Application

Does this job seem like something for you? Then apply before January 23, 2026 using the button below.

Online screening may be part of the application process.

AMOLF attaches great importance to an inclusive and diverse work environment. Therefore, we warmly encourage candidates from any background to apply.

You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below.

Diversity code

AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.