Junior Laboratory Technician

The Clinical and Applied Virology group, headed by Dr Judith Hübschen, at the Department of Infection and Immunity of LIH is currently looking for a highly motivated full-time Laboratory Technician who will enjoy working in a multinational environment in the field of infectious disease surveillance. The candidate is expected to set up new methods and screen various biological samples for the presence of different pathogens using conventional and innovative approaches. The technician will work on various ongoing and new projects and assist senior technicians in supporting the group’s activities.

Key Accountabilities

• Participate in the establishment of new methodologies and assays to detect and characterize diverse pathogens and apply these methods on biological samples,
• Provide support to senior technicians for their activities,
• Screen ponctual impromptu samples but also large sample cohorts,
• Contribute to the routine laboratory activities, such as monitoring stocks of consumables, preparation of reagents and controls, participating in waste management, etc.
• Be willing to learn and develop new laboratory techniques,
• Analyze, report and discuss about laboratory results and suggest ideas for improvements if needed,
• Keep current databases and inventories updated,
• Actively participate to work group meetings and suggest ideas to resolve or prevent technical problems in consultation with the project leader.

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Laboratory Technician’s diploma (three years of higher education required),
• Practical experience in molecular biology techniques is required,
• Practical experience in serological techniques is desirable,
• Previous experience in working in BSL2 facilities is an asset,
• Sense of responsibility, rigour, flexible, team player, self-driven motivation, punctual and reliable,
• Good organizational skills, structured working method, good time management, open to constructive criticism,
• Ability to work with people with different levels of expertise and cultural backgrounds,
• Determination to overcome hurdles and successfully conclude experiments (perseverance),
• Good communication skills,
• Language skills: proficiency in English is a must, knowledge of French and/or German is an asset.

What we offer

• Working contract with full benefits (retirement, social security)
• A great opportunity to work with state-of-the-art equipment to further develop related technical skills
• Opportunities to improve technical skills in a modern and international working environment.