Laboratory assistant microbial fermentation and purification

<h2>1 - Working at the VUB</h2> <p>For almost 50 years, the <strong>Vrije Universiteit Brussel</strong> has stood for freedom, equality and connectedness. These values are strongly present on our campuses, in our students as well as our staff. At the VUB, you’ll find a diverse collection of personalities: pure innovators and especially <strong>people who are 100% their authentic selves</strong>. With about <strong>3.500 employees</strong>, we are the<strong> largest Flemish-speaking employer in Brussels</strong>, an international city with which we are all too happy to be connected, and around which our four campuses are located.</p> <h2>2 - Position Description</h2> <p>MITH is an academic research group developing diagnostic and therapeutic biopharmaceuticals with a strong vision to bring innovation from the bench to bedside. We have established a cleanroom facility for the production of lead biomolecules for human clinical trials. With this unit we want to valorize our laboratory studies by bringing them into a GMP environment and thus guarantee safe testing on humans at the UZ Brussels university hospital. We are looking for a motivated professional with a passion for pharmaceutical quality processes.</p> <p>Techniques: microbial manipulation (P. pastoris), cell banking, fermentation in a small-scale (30L) bioreactor, cell collection, cell extraction, protein purification via chromatography, filtration, precipitation device management, validation of fermentation processes and devices, working in a clean room environment, writing procedures and protocols.</p> <p>Here is a selection of your tasks:</p> <ul> <li>Carrying out operational activities in a GMP clean room facility.</li> <li>Taking responsibility for the fermentation branch of the GMP unit.</li> <li>Setting up procedures to ferment microbes and extract proteins.</li> <li>Setting up procedures to purify proteins from a microbial extract.</li> <li>Scaling up protein purification procedures to liter-level.</li> <li>Evaluating the robustness of purification procedures.</li> <li>You write standard operating procedures in English.</li> <li>You contribute to the continuous improvement and maintenance of the quality management system.</li> <li>You ensure the qualification and maintenance of the equipment and infrastructure related to the fermentation procedures.</li> <li>Taking responsibility for the proper documentation of the performed processes.</li> <li>As a team you take up the challenge to deliver proteins for clinical studies.</li> <li>You are open to continuous training and self-study.</li> </ul> <p>For this position, the Brussels Health Campus in Jette will be your home base.</p> <h2>3 - Profile</h2> <p>What do we expect from you?</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor Pharmaceutical and Biological Techniques, Biomedical Laboratory Techniques, Biotechnology, or Master's degree in Biomedical or Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bioengineer, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology</li> <li>Knowledge of GMP processes, either through training or work experience, or a very strong interest in GMP processes, is a requirement.</li> <li>You consider quality to be of paramount importance.</li> <li>You work very conscientiously and carefully with an eye for detail.</li> <li>Microbial manipulation, fermentation and protein purification is your thing and has no secrets for you.</li> <li>You are able to adapt to changing circumstances or to different people and you can stand up to a bit of pressure or a setback.You can communicate smoothly with the quality team and colleagues who carry out other tasks in the GMP process.</li> <li>You like to take initiative.</li> <li>You are always willing to follow relevant training courses.</li> <li>You have good communication skills in English; knowledge of Dutch is a plus.</li> <li>You are fluent in current computer software (e.g. MS Office) or specific software packages and tools.</li> </ul> <h2>4 - Offer</h2> <p>Are you going to be our new colleague? You’ll be offered a temporary (1 year - renewable after positive evaluation) full-time contract in grade 5, 6 or 7. Salary is depending on your competences and previous relevant work experience.</p> <p>At the VUB, you’re guaranteed an open, involved and diverse workplace where you are offered opportunities to (further) build on your career. As well as this, you’ll enjoy various benefits:</p> <ul> <li>Full reimbursement for your home-work commute with public transport according to VUB-policy, or compensation if you come by bike;</li> <li>Cost-free hospitalisation and group insurance with guaranteed income;</li> <li>The space to form your job content and continuously learn via VUB LRN;</li> <li>Excellent facilities for sport and exercise;</li> <li>Ecocheques;</li> <li>Delicious meals at attractive prices in our campus restaurants;</li> <li>An open, family-friendly work environment where attention is paid to work-life balance, and exceptional holiday arrangements with 35 days of leave (based on a