IMDEA Materials Institute is seeking a laboratory technician to support the activities of a biomaterials and cell culture laboratory, in particular, to be responsible for establishing the proper layout and maintenance of the laboratory (management of purchases and maintenance of the stocks of the consumables), for tasks related to health and safety, in particular biosafety, such as updating standard operating procedures and key work practices and training others in these protocols, for maintenance of the equipment and training of new users, and the maintenance of mammalian cell lines and routine cell culture experiments. The technician will support other researchers in evaluating new materials using mammalian cell culture by assessing viability, proliferation, and morphology with cells relevant to different biomedical applications. He/she will also be involved in histology and immunohistochemistry (embedding and sectioning, fixing and staining of sections, microscopy) as well as the preparation and characterization of biomaterials used in the experiments (materials preparation, sterilization, materials processing using techniques like 3D printing and electrospinning, and characterization of material properties). The successful candidate will receive high-quality training upon their incorporation and be supervised by the principal investigator responsible for the laboratory. The technician will also be a part of the Biosafety Committee of the Institute as well as be invited to participate in group meetings related to biomaterials and regenerative medicine.

This person will be in charge of equipment and techniques related to microscopy (optical, confocal, and fluorescent), molecular studies (e.g., PCR, western blot), and other routine experiments such as cell culture. Also, support in 3D cultures (spheroids, organoid, organ-on-a-chip) and bioreactor operation.

Management of inventories and risk assessment.

Training:

• Degree in Biology, biotechnology, microbiology, chemistry or biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or related fields in live science.
• General cell culture practices (biocompatibility, proliferation, and functional experiments), knowledge in molecular testing (DNA extraction, electrophoresis, PCR, western blot), and acquisition of images by confocal or fluorescent microscopy.
• Certification in the use of bioreactors or microfluidic systems (desired)
• Specific training in laboratory management and/or quality control systems (desired),

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of similar laboratory experience.
• Previous experience in laboratory management (purchasing, inventory management, training of users, health and safety compliance).
• Previous experience in managing equipment (purchasing, calibration and maintenance, training users, being an advanced user).
• Previous experience with cell culture (preference for mammalian cell culture experience and experience with proliferation, viability, and morphology assays).
• Previous experience with histology and immunohistochemistry (embedding and sectioning, fixing and staining of sections, microscopy).
• Previous experience with biomaterials preparation and characterization (preparation of different materials, sterilization, processing of materials, materials characterization).
• Design and perform experiments to study gene expression by PCR, detection, and quantification of protein by western blot, and acquisition of images by advanced microscopy
• Functional experiments regarding specific staining, use of the microfluidic system and 3D cultures, and bioreactors.

Languages:

• English B2 (oral and written).

Competencies:

• Strong communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and flexibility.
• Proactivity and initiative.
• Capacity for self-management and time management.
• Good at working on teams.

• Full-time contract. Salary based on experience and skills.
• Excellent working environment.