Laboratory / Field 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/Field Technician who will enjoy working in a multinational environment in the field of infectious disease surveillance. She/He will work among other things on an EU funded project aiming at scaling up One Health surveillance of tick-borne, EU priority pathogens in Luxembourg. In this context, the candidate is expected to participate in tick collections and screen tick samples for the presence of tick-borne pathogens. The candidate will also assist more experienced technicians and carry out other tasks to support the group’s activities.

Key Accountabilities

• Perform tick collections in various parts of Luxembourg
• Process tick samples for the detection and characterization of tick-borne pathogens
• Support other technicians for disease surveillance activities
• Contribute to routine laboratory activities, such as monitoring stocks of consumables, preparing reagents and controls, participating in waste management, etc.
• Be willing to learn and develop new laboratory techniques
• Analyze and report laboratory results and suggest ideas for improvements if needed
• Keep databases and inventories up to date
• Actively participate in work group meetings and suggest ideas to resolve or prevent technical problems

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Laboratory Technician diploma (three year of higher education required)
• Practical experience in molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, PCR, gel electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing, etc. is required
• Previous experience in working in BSL2 facilities is an asset
• Category B driving license
• Rigorous, flexible, team-player, self-motivated, punctual and reliable
• Good organizational and time management skills, open to constructive feedback
• Ability to work with people of different levels of expertise and cultural backgrounds
• Determination to overcome challenges and successfully complete experiments (perseverance)
• Language skills: fluent command of English is a must, knowledge of French and/or German is an asset