Contract: 1 year, with possibility of extension l Start date: from August 1, 2026
The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB) is a world-leading plant science institute located at the heart of a renowned Plant Biotechnology campus in Ghent, Belgium. Its mission is to unravel plant biological processes and translate this knowledge into value for society.
For over a decade, the VIB Crop Genome Engineering Facility (CGEF) has supported academics, start‑ups, and multinationals in generating genetically engineered maize lines and more recently also soybean was added to the portfolio. Over the years, the CGEF has refined its workflows by optimizing tissue culture, explant quality, quality control, and event characterization.
The lab is located in Zwijnaarde where there are also greenhouses and growth facilities. In addition, greenhouse space will be used in the new Agro-biotech incubator in Nevele.
To support our soybean transformation pipeline, we are looking for a Research Technician.
As a Research Technician in the Crop Genome Engineering Facility (CGEF), you will play a vital role in supporting plant transformation across multiple crop species. Your main focus will be on maintaining and executing the soybean transformation workflow, which includes molecular cloning of genetic constructs, plant tissue culture, selection of transgenic lines, genotyping, and phenotyping. Alongside this, you will take an active role in establishing a tomato transformation platform and help to set up reliable and robust protocols for this crop. You will also assist the maize transformation team when needed, ensuring smooth collaborations across the facility’s transformation pipelines. Across all projects you will be involved from initiation to completion, ensuring the successful delivery of genetically transformed plants for internal research and external stakeholders. In addition to transformation tasks, you will contribute to research and development aimed at improving transformation efficiency and optimizing CRISPR/Cas9 delivery methods. You will also assist the maize transformation team when needed and work closely with colleagues in the lab and in our greenhouses facilities located in Zwijnaarde and Nevele. This position offers a hands-on opportunity to be part of a cutting-edge plant biotechnology environment that accelerates research and innovation towards more sustainable agriculture.
- Professional Bachelor degree (laboratory technology)
- Experience with in vitro plant tissue culture work
- Experience with handling and growing plants in growth rooms or greenhouse
- Good command of English, both spoken and written.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Driving license B for occasional visit to the Nevele site
Responsibilities
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Support the plant transformation team
- Plant tissue culture (media preparation, in vitro techniques)
- Molecular cloning, Agrobacterium transformation
- Handling of plants in the greenhouse
- Genotyping (DNA extraction, PCR)
- Plan, perform and document experiments in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
Optional knowledge
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Golden Gate vector cloning
- Analysis of CRISPR/Cas9 edited plants
- Experience working with cereals (maize, wheat)
- Working with an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
Key personal characteristics
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Passionate about science and genetic engineering
- Patient and persistent to handle plant tissue culture
- Strong sense of responsibility, maintain a clean working environment
- Eager to learn new concepts and techniques, flexible in working hours.
- Team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Able to accurately compile and document experiments
- A 1-year laboratory technician position, with possibility of extension
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Start date: available from August 1st 2026
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An internationally competitive salary and benefits
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Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and services as well as various training and leadership opportunities to broaden expertise and skills
Please submit your application through the online VIB application tool (https://jobs.vib.be/j/135912/research-technician). Be sure it includes:
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A detailed CV
- A 1-page letter of intent describing your motivation for this position, your research experiences and future goals.
- The names and contact details of two references
Emailed applications will not be considered
In case of questions, please can contact [email protected]
https://www.psb.ugent.be/
https://www.cgef.be/
