Lab manager - Hubrecht Institute - Utrecht

The research group of Prof. dr. ir. Alexander van Oudenaarden is seeking a full-time Lab Manager / Technician to support the development of innovative single-cell sequencing technologies. This position combines hands-on experimental research with laboratory coordination and organizational responsibilities, and is intended for a candidate interested in a long-term role within the team.

Research Environment

Living systems are composed of individual cells, yet even genetically identical cells exhibit substantial heterogeneity in their molecular states, histories, and responses to environmental cues. This intrinsic variability underlies fundamental biological processes, including developmental decision-making, tissue homeostasis, disease progression, and therapeutic resistance.

The van Oudenaarden lab develops experimental and computational technologies to interrogate biological processes at single-cell resolution. Our work spans multiple layers of the central dogma, including genome replication, transcription, and translation. By moving beyond population-averaged measurements, we directly observe molecular variability, regulatory dynamics, and functional heterogeneity.

Through the development of novel experimental protocols and analytical frameworks, we enable quantitative single-cell measurements that were previously inaccessible, providing deeper insight into how molecular processes generate cellular diversity.

Role and Responsibilities

The Lab Manager / Technician will:

• Perform and optimize molecular biology and cell culture experiments
• Contribute to the development and implementation of novel sequencing protocols
• Support laboratory organization, procurement, and inventory management
• Maintain equipment and coordinate laboratory infrastructure
• Collaborate closely with lab members and other researchers within the institute
• Contribute to a well-organized, efficient, and high-quality research environment

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a motivated, creative, and detail-oriented colleague with strong communication and organizational skills who enjoys working in a collaborative, international research environment.

Required qualifications:

• BSc or MSc degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Life Sciences, or a related field
• Solid understanding of molecular biology and cell biology
• Hands-on experience with cell culture and molecular biology techniques
• Strong interest in laboratory organization and administrative responsibilities
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team
• Proactive problem-solving attitude and initiative
• Excellent English communication skills (English is the working language of the lab)

Preferred qualifications:

• Interest in and/or experience with developing novel sequencing technologies
• Experience with automated liquid handling systems or pipetting robots
• Animal experimentation certification (Article 9 qualification)

What We Offer

• A dynamic and internationally recognized research environment
• Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge single-cell technology development
• Close collaboration with interdisciplinary scientists
• A long-term position within a leading research institute

About the Hubrecht Institute

The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute focused on molecular and developmental biology. Because of the dynamic character of the research, the institute has a variable number of research groups, around 20, that do fundamental, multidisciplinary research on healthy and diseased cells, tissues and organisms. The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), situated on Utrecht Science Park. Since 2008, the institute is affiliated with the UMC Utrecht, advancing the translation of research to the clinic. The Hubrecht Institute has a partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).

Terms of employment

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.