Junior Research Engineer Applied Genomics

at  Sciensano

L’entreprise
The Belgian Institute of Health (Sciensano) provides support for health policy through scientific research, expert opinions and divisional tasks. On the basis of scientific research, we formulate recommendations and solutions for a proactive health policy at the Belgian, European and international levels; assess the status of health (indicators) within a certified quality framework; and develop advanced solutions for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of current and emerging diseases.
Description de l’emploi
You will be part of the unit “Transversal activities in Applied Genomics” (TAG) and will contribute, as a research engineer (ing.), to the project “Transition to safe and sustainable food systems through new and innovative detection methods and digital solutions for plant-based products derived from new genomic techniques, under a co-creation approach” (DARWIN).
The DARWIN project: DARWIN aims to contribute to a fair, healthy, safe and environmentally friendly food system by co-developing an innovative detection strategy by integrating targeted analytical PCR-based methods, untargeted sequencing methods, and digital solutions. This project, under an interdisciplinary co-creation ecosystem based on Responsible Research and innovation (RRI) principals, empowering a wide variety of stakeholders - including consumers - in Europe and internationally; and robustly contributing to the policy making.

In this project, you will work in a multidisciplinary environment under the supervision of senior scientists. You will be actively involved in the development and validation of detection methods, including PCR and sequencing-based approaches, in order to improve the safety and traceability in the food chain, especially related to species identification as well as GMO identification.

• You will be able to work independently, but in close collaboration with scientists and laboratory technicians.
• You will participate to research project(s) in which you will develop, implement and optimize protocols and procedures related to innovative high-tech techniques, and validate the implemented methods under accreditation.
• You will take care to timely meet project deadlines.
• You will report to and be supervised by senior scientist(s). You will be also capable of analyzing results, providing research reports and feedback to the different scientific collaborators.
• You will keep you up-to-date with evolution in the technology through literature studies.
• You will respect safety and quality procedures and standards established in the laboratory.
• You will actively participate in the proper functioning of the laboratory through the correct handling of equipment and reagents, biological materials, available stocks and others

Le profil
Ideally an industrial engineer (ing.) in life science, bio-industry, molecular biology or equivalent.
Could be extended to a master in life sciences, bio-engineer or similar
Strong interest in molecular biology, bioinformatics, plant biology, food safety and public health as well as in innovative high-tech techniques.
Experience with standard molecular biology laboratory techniques and instruments.
Excellent knowledge of English.
Asset:
Good knowledge and experience in molecular biology (theoretical and practical formation), especially with DNA-based methods including extraction, PCR and sequencing (Sanger, Illumina, ONT), metabarcoding and microbiology;
Experience using bioinformatics.

Generic skills:

• Flexible;
• Methodical and efficient;
• Able to work independently;
• Sense of responsibilities;
• Excellent record-keeping skills;
• Excellent organization and planning skills;
• Multi-tasking;
• Team player;
• Entrepreneurial and stress-resistant;
• Results and solutions oriented;
• Good communication skills (written and oral);
• Quick learner that feels at home in a fast evolving environment;

L’offre
A stimulating role in a renowned scientific institute
A challenging and fascinating project in a fast evolving domain.
The use of the most recent methods (ex: molecular biology, shotgun metagenomics, short and long read sequencing).
Fixed-term contract (18 months) with possibilities of prolongation
Salary scale: A1 (junior)
Advantages: free subscription or 100% reimbursement for journeys between home and work by public transport; hospitalization/group insurance; meal vouchers; various benefits via FED + (www.fedplus.be); social advantages
Contact
Apply through our website https://www.sciensano.be/en/working-sciensano/my-employment-opportunities !
If you have further questions or for more details regarding this opportunity, contact Jobcenter via jobs@sciensano.be

Please refer the Job description for details