(Senior) Technician Analytical Development, Leiden/NL

Pleased to meet you, we are Galapagos, a dynamic growing Biotech company with offices across Europe and in the US, headquartered in Mechelen, Belgium.

We’re in the business of changing lives. In our quest to discover and develop life-improving medicines we go where no one has ever gone before. In every challenge we face, we see new opportunities. We pioneer for patients. We need thought leaders and rapid thinkers, entrepreneurs in spirit and status quo-fighters. Collaborative innovators and perseverant idealists. We need the best-in-class. In other words, we need you: The ‘make-it-happener’.

For the Galapagos organisation in Leiden (NL), we are looking for a highly motivated (Senior) Technician Analytical Development .

Scope of the role

You join Galapagos’ Cell Therapy Analytical Development team in the Leiden Bio Science Park. As a (Senior) Technician in our Analytical Development team, you play a pivotal role in the design, execution, and analysis of cellular assays. The (Senior) Technician spends most time hands-on in the laboratory, but also writes scientific reports, and interacts with other departments such as Quality Control and Process Development. Collaborating closely with various researchers, you contribute to the development and optimization of (cellular) assays that are crucial in characterizing the efficacy and safety of our therapeutic CAR T cell products. You actively contribute to the optimization of analytical methods to meet the demands of our innovative pipeline and your work directly impacts our efforts to deliver innovative treatments to patients in need.

The (Senior) Technician Analytical Development reports to the Cellular Assay Team Lead.

Your role

• Proficiently perform a range of (cellular) assays to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pharmaceutical products including, but not limited to, cytotoxicity assays, cytokine release assays and phenotypic analysis.
• Prepare and handle cell cultures, maintain cell lines, and accurately document experimental procedures and results.
• Collaborate to develop and refine protocols, ensuring assay robustness and reproducibility.
• Operate (state-of-the-art) analytical instruments and equipment, troubleshooting as needed.
• Analyse and interpret assay data using appropriate software, contributing to data-driven decision-making.
• Maintain comprehensive records of assay procedures, results and observations in line with regulatory standards.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology) is required; Master's degree is a plus
• Practical experience (1-5 years) in a laboratory setting, preferably in a pharmaceutical or biotechnology environment
• Familiarity with a range of analytical instruments such as flow cytometers, plate readers, and other cell analysis tools
• Experience with (primary) cell culture, knowledge of T cell culture is a plus
• Ability to follow protocols, record accurate experimental data, and maintain documentation
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues independently
• Enthusiasm for learning and adapting to new techniques and technologies in the field
• Pro-active team player, good communicator and hands-on mentality
• Ability to be flexible with changing priorities
• Self-driven and can-do mindset, without compromising quality
• Fluent in English

What’s in it for you ?

At Galapagos, we prioritize your continuous growth and development, fostering a culture of empowerment. Our employees are the driving force behind our mission to lead in pharmaceutical research and innovation.

We offer a competitive compensation package and a supportive work environment with strong focus on your health and well-being. Join us in our journey towards sustainability, as we strive to make a lasting impact on both the industry and the planet.

We are Galapagos: together we can make it happen…!