Research Assistant (OR/EID/ML4)

Job Description

The Signature Research Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) aims to pioneer our understanding of emerging infections through world-class research that integrates immunology, infection biology, pathogen genomics, and computational approaches. This integration drives comprehensive studies of host–pathogen interactions across molecular, individual, and population scales to address emerging health challenges.

The Coronavirus Lab, led by Assistant Professor Mart Lamers, is looking for a Research Assistant / Research Assistant (Senior) to serve as the operational and technical anchor of our team within EID. This position is designed for a highly experienced professional who seeks a stable, long-term role within a high-impact virology research environment.

Our goal is to find a dedicated partner who will grow with the lab over many years. We are looking for someone who can make an immediate impact and take ownership of day-to-day lab operations. Our group leverages cutting-edge technologies—including organoids, CRISPR/Cas9, and single-cell omics—to study coronavirus–host interactions that shape pandemic potential and disease pathogenesis.

Key Responsibilities

• Lab Operations: Oversee day-to-day operations of the laboratory to ensure efficiency, organization, and productivity. Identify opportunities for process improvement to optimize research and operations.
• Inventory: Process, document, and manage samples and stocks; maintain accurate inventory and traceability.
• Procurement & Logistics: Manage the entire lab purchasing pipeline, ensuring reagents and equipment are sourced and delivered in a timely manner.
• Safety & Compliance: Champion a strong safety culture. Manage chemical and biological safety protocols to ensure full regulatory compliance.
• General Lab Stewardship: Prepare general reagents and buffers, and maintain a highly organized, efficient working environment.
• Ad-hoc Research Support: Provide expert hands-on assistance for experiments, including molecular cloning, protein analysis, and histology.
• Team Mentorship: Supervise and train junior researchers in lab best practices and technical protocols.
• Virus Stock Production & Virus Quantification: Manage the complete virus stock production and quantification pipeline.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described therein.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Life Sciences, Immunology, Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or related fields.
• Have 2+ years of professional experience in research lab management.
• Hands-on experience in BSL-2 laboratory techniques, such as cell culture, molecular biology, and biochemistry.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations, risk assessment, and compliance frameworks.
• Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral); proficient in documentation, data management, and computer applications.
• Responsible, detail-oriented, and self-motivated—with a proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated commitment to scientific excellence, teamwork, and laboratory safety.
• Professional Commitment: A strong desire for a long-term role. We value the stability and institutional memory that a long-tenured manager provides.
• Prior experience in virology, BSL-3 facilities, and organoid culture is preferred.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.