60-80% Technology Expert for the Laboratory of Tropical Crop Improvement

at  KU Leuven

60-80% Technology Expert for the Laboratory of Tropical Crop Improvement
(ref. BAP-2024-322)
Laatst aangepast: 21/05/24
The Division of Crop Biotechnics of the Biosystems Department is a young and dynamic research group that is growing rapidly. The Division consists of 6 full-time professors and their research groups house about 90 employees, consisting of doctoral researchers, postdocs, laboratory technicians and administrative and technical personnel.
The Laboratory of Tropical Crop Improvement is looking for a technician who will study microbiology, molecular plant pathology and plant tissue culture.
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Responsibilities
The technology expert reports to the head of TCI laboratory (Prof. H. Vanderschuren). In this role, the individual is responsible for developing protocols for novel sequencing technologies related to pathogens with a focus on plant viruses. The position also closely collaborates with postdoctoral researchers and PhD students to optimize protocols and bioassays.
Contributions extend to the evolution of methodologies, experimentation with new equipment, and the formulation of comprehensive manuals/protocols. The expert actively ensures the transfer of knowledge from departing PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, delves into pertinent scientific literature for research support, and crafts technical content for personal contributions to publications.
The technology expert also draft the technical parts of concept notes for acquisition of funding as well as technical part of project reports in close collaboration with the lab head.
The technology expert is expected to provide guidance to lab technicians in charge of conducting the experiments with the bioassays established by the technology experts. The technology expert plans the technical work to meet the deliverables of research proposals that have been funded. The technology expert compiles the results and drafts the technical reports.
Additionally, the role involves providing technical and methodological guidance to researchers, doctoral students, and students. Evaluation of results from practical exercises and research internships for students falls within the purview of the position. The expert adeptly detects, interprets, and addresses deviations and bottlenecks.

The main tasks of the technology expert are :

• Establish and perform sequencing of pathogens from different model and crop pathosystems
• Contribute to the development of novel bioassays with a focus on infectious clones
• Perform plant extract for enrichment of pathogens
• Establish pipelines for data analysis in close collaboration with bioinformaticians
• Support of research activities in the greenhouse
• Provide preliminary analysis of research results
• Ordering of consumables
• Assess and negotiate acquisition of molecular biology-related equipment for the laboratory
• Train students and scientists for the above mentioned operations
• Supervize technical staff
• Daily supervision of undergraduate and graduate students for projects involving the above mentioned operations

Profiel

• You have a PhD degree in biotechnology or microbiology with advanced experience in molecular biology and phytopathology
• You have above 4 years of experience in plant research
• You have experience in handling plant viruses
• You have experience in performing plant virus transmission assays
• You can work accurately and proactively, you take initiative
• You have experience in supervising technical staff and students
• Your knowledge of English allows you to write accurate technical reports
• You are ready to work in a very international environment and you have good communication skills in English
• You are a team player
• You are dedicated, responsible and have a positive attitude

Aanbod

• 60-80% employment for a period of 1 year with possibility for renewal.
• A varied and exciting job with opportunity for initiative and self-development in a young, dynamic and international working environment.
• KU Leuven offers a competitive salary, depending on your experience and competences
• KU Leuven also offers extra-legal benefits such as health care benefits, group insurance, additional leave days, company bike, …

Interesse
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Hervé Vanderschuren, tel.: +32 16 37 62 45, mail: herve.vanderschuren@kuleuven.be.
For more information please contact Mrs. Marleen Lissens, tel.: +32 16 19 42 17.
You can apply for this job no later than June 04, 2024 via the online application tool

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

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Tewerkstellingspercentage: Deeltijds
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Locatie : Leuven
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Solliciteren tot en met:

• Establish and perform sequencing of pathogens from different model and crop pathosystems
• Contribute to the development of novel bioassays with a focus on infectious clones
• Perform plant extract for enrichment of pathogens
• Establish pipelines for data analysis in close collaboration with bioinformaticians
• Support of research activities in the greenhouse
• Provide preliminary analysis of research results
• Ordering of consumables
• Assess and negotiate acquisition of molecular biology-related equipment for the laboratory
• Train students and scientists for the above mentioned operations
• Supervize technical staff
• Daily supervision of undergraduate and graduate students for projects involving the above mentioned operation