Research technician at Experimental Cardiology

The Experimental Cardiology group at UMC Utrecht is seeking a research technician to produce, purify, and characterize engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) for cardiac gene therapy applications and evaluate their therapeutic potential in preclinical models. You will combine mammalian cell culture, EV manufacturing and purification, and molecular assays to support the development and evaluation of innovative gene therapies for cardiovascular diseases. You will take responsibility for your own experimental work while coordinating with colleagues to support shared research goals. You will also work with the team to improve experimental methods and contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches.

EV-manufacturing and purification

• Maintain mammalian cell cultures
• Perform large scale EV productions
• Apply purification techniques such as tangential flow filtration and chromatography.
• Characterize EVs for particle size, cargo, concentration, purity, and protein composition.
• Optimize EV manufacturing and purification workflows together with researchers and other technicians in the team.

Molecular biology and gene-editing analysis

• Perform DNA, RNA, and protein isolation from cells and biological samples.
• Evaluate gene-editing efficiency using sequencing-based methods.
• Conduct biochemical and cell-based assays, including Western blotting, flow cytometry, and fluorescence-based analyses.
• Experience with immune cell isolation and immunological assay would be considered a pre.
• Analyze, interpret and present experimental results.

Laboratory operations

• Independently plan, execute, and troubleshoot experiments, aligning priorities and timelines with the research team and communicating progress and challenges proactively.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and laboratory documentation.
• Contribute to protocol optimization and SOP development.
• Support laboratory maintenance, inventory management, and compliance with biosafety standards.

Our interdisciplinary team combines expertise in cardiovascular biology, regenerative medicine, and advanced therapeutic technologies to translate scientific discoveries into new treatments, with the goal of improving outcomes for heart patients.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree (HBO/WO) in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and aseptic techniques.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, including Amplicon sequencing, PCR and DNA/RNA isolation.
• Ability to independently perform experiments and troubleshoot technical challenges.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a proactive attitude.
• Good communication skills and proficiency in Dutch and English.
• A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work independently, share expertise, and support colleagues in achieving team goals.
• A salary between € 3171 - € 4492 (salary scale 7M) and € 3626 - € 5134 (salary scale 8M) depending on experience, gross per month, based on full-time employment (36 hours).
• You will receive a one-year appointment within the Experimental Cardiology group at UMC Utrecht, with opportunities for professional development in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution.
• 100% public transport reimbursement. Are you coming on foot, by bike or by car? You will then receive a reimbursement of € 0.21 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way).
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.