Laboratory Technician or Technical Assistant Biology

Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university with a strong research profile rooted in the heart of Germany. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light-Life-Liberty. It is closely networked with non-research institutions, research companies and renowned cultural institutions. With around 18,000 students and more than 8,600 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena's character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

The Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany, combines expertise in life, material, optical and computational sciences to elevate microbiome studies from descriptive to hypothesis-driven and functional analyses. Our core mission is to elucidate fundamental principles of the interactions and functions in microbial communities in diverse habitats ranging from oceans and groundwater to plant and human hosts. We aim to identify the shared characteristics of disturbed or polluted ecosystems as well as infectious diseases on the microbiome level, and develop strategies for their remediation by targeted interventions.

The junior research group of Dr. Amelia Barber at the Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse invites applications for a Laboratory Technician or Technical Assistant Biology (m/f/d) starting on 01.11.2023 or at the earliest possible date thereafter. The full-time position is initially until 14.04.2026 with the possibility to be extended.

Your responsibilities:

• Contribute to the research activities of the lab through cultivation of microorganisms, molecular biology analyses, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Evaluate research data in consultation with scientific staff and document all laboratory activities electronically.
• Assist with laboratory organization, ordering, and training other researchers where required.
• Contribute to maintaining the friendly, welcoming, and collaborative environment within the group.

Your profile:

• Completed training as a biological laboratory technician, biological technical assistant, or a BS in the life sciences with additional laboratory experience outside of your studies. Candidates in the final stages of obtaining their degree are also eligible to apply.
• A good understanding of biology and the ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new content and skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in the lab.
• Able to work in a Biosafety S2 laboratory. Previous experience working with level 2 organisms is a plus.
• Desirable methodological skills: aseptic technique from prior cell culture or microbial work, nucleic acids extraction (DNA, RNA), PCR, qPCR, and DNA sequence analysis.
• An integrative and cooperative personality with enthusiasm for supporting group research activities.
• English communication skills, both written and spoken.

We offer:

• Participation in diverse experimental projects with a strong interdisciplinary and innovative nature.
• A highly communicative atmosphere within an energetic scientific network.
• Excellent equipment and infrastructure.
• Jena - City of Science: a young and lively town with a vibrant local cultural agenda.
• A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families: University Family Office 'JUniFamilie' and flexible childcare ('JUniKinder).
• University health promotion and a wide range of university sports activities.
• Attractive fringe benefits, e.g. capital formation benefits (VL), Job Ticket (benefits for public transport), and an occupational pension (VBL).
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) up to salary scale 9a - depending on the candidate's personal qualifications-, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31.

The full-time position (40 hours per week) is initially until 14.04.2026 with the possibility to be extended. The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is an equal opportunity employer and part-time contracts can be discussed. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Applications in English should comprise a cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of academic records, employer references and/or the contact information for two references. Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by September 25, 2023 using our online form.

For further information for applicants and the information on the collection of personal data, please refer to https://www.unijena.de/en/job-market.