Research Technician – IgA Antibody Production and Development

The PHARMIgA consortium is seeking a motivated and skilled research technician to support the development and production of IgA-based therapeutics.

About PHARMIgA

Most therapeutic antibodies currently used to treat disease are based on a single antibody class: IgG. While highly effective in the bloodstream, IgG antibodies are often less effective at mucosal surfaces such as the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. These tissues are central to major unmet medical needs, including respiratory infections, inflammatory diseases, and several forms of cancer.

In contrast, IgA antibodies are naturally abundant at mucosal surfaces, where they play a key role in immune defense. IgA can efficiently neutralize pathogens and engage immune cells through mechanisms distinct from IgG. Despite their therapeutic potential, very few IgA-based therapeutics have reached the clinic. Development remains technically challenging due to complex production processes, limited scalable manufacturing methods, and the lack of standardized models and infrastructure.

PHARMIgA was established to address these challenges by bringing together expertise, technologies, and facilities within a single collaborative network. Rather than focusing on one specific therapeutic candidate, the consortium aims to develop a comprehensive platform and toolbox that will accelerate the discovery, production, and translation of IgA-based therapeutics.

The consortium combines expertise from Utrecht University and University Medical Center Utrecht, in collaboration with Sanquin and PD-Value, as well as partners across the Utrecht Science Park and industrial collaborators from the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and nutrition sectors.

The Role

In this hands-on laboratory position, you will work closely with the postdoctoral researcher and consortium partners on the production, purification, characterization, and optimization of IgA antibodies. You will contribute directly to the day-to-day execution of experiments and help establish robust workflows for generating and analyzing different IgA formats.

Responsibilities

• Perform recombinant antibody expression and purification experiments
• Support the development and optimization of production workflows for different IgA formats
• Perform molecular biology, cell culture, protein production, and biochemical assays
• Assist with antibody characterization and quality control analyses
• Maintain accurate experimental records and contribute to data analysis and reporting
• Work closely with the supervising team to execute experimental plans and troubleshoot workflows
• Contribute to maintaining laboratory organization, equipment, and safety standards
• Participate in consortium meetings and communicate experimental progress with team members

Research environment

The PHARMIgA research program is structured around four interconnected pillars:

1. Discovery and characterization of IgA antibodies and their molecular properties
2. Production and manufacturing, focused on improving and scaling methods to generate different IgA formats
3. Safety and efficacy testing using advanced human-relevant preclinical models
4. Delivery technologies, including pulmonary and intranasal administration and innovative mRNA-based approaches enabling in vivo IgA expression

This technician position is embedded within the second pillar and will support the development, optimization, and production of IgA antibody formats in close collaboration with the postdoctoral researcher leading this work. This position will be embedded in the AntibodyTherapy group of prof. Jeanette Leusen, consisting of 3 assistant profs, 2 post-docs, 10 research technicians, 7 PhD students and several master students. This group is part of the Center for Translational Immunology (CTI).

Profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biotechnology, biomedical sciences, molecular biology, immunology, or a related field
• Hands-on laboratory experience in protein production, antibody research, molecular biology, cell culture, or related techniques
• Experience with recombinant protein purification techniques such as affinity chromatography is preferred
• Experience working in a research laboratory environment, either academic or industrial
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in experimental work and documentation
• Ability to work independently on routine tasks while functioning effectively within a collaborative team
• Motivated, proactive, and eager to learn new techniques and technologies
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English

What we offer

• 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 € 0.18 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way).
• Possibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally.
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.