Research Technician in vivo pharmacology (0.8 fte)

The division of Systems Pharmacology and Pharmacy of the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) at Leiden University is recruiting a research technician to support drug research involving pharmacological studies in preclinical animal models to characterize concentration-time profiles of drugs and/or metabolites, and biomarkers of efficacy.

The research within our division encompasses a combination of experimental studies and computational modeling, aiming to develop novel strategies towards translational drug development approaches and personalized treatment strategies, with a strong focus on anti-infective therapies. At LACDR we have access to a dedicated facilities for zebrafish and rodent experiments and advanced imaging. 

This research technician position will support development and execution of pharmacological experiments in zebrafish embryos and larvae. These zebrafish experiments involve the use of advanced microinjection and microsampling techniques and (automated) fluorescence microscopy, focusing on characterization of drug exposure and efficacy biomarkers. We furthermore foresee the technician may at a later stage support the design and execution of experiments in rodent models linked to future projects. The division’s track record is in studies for brain drug exposure through microdialysis and tissue slice techniques in rats as well as in mouse models of (cardio)metabolic disease, with possible interest in establishing rodent infection models. You work in a team of technicians within the division and closely collaborate with scientific staff members and PhD candidates/postdocs, in a highly collaborative and collegial setting.

Responsibilities

• To design and conduct experiments in zebrafish including associated microinjection/-sampling/measurement and techniques and advanced imaging, in collaboration with researchers in our division;
• To develop and conduct at a later stage rodent experiments (for example rat microdialysis, murine cardiometabolic models or infection models). This work is not available from the start of the position, but an area we intend to develop;

• To support the conduct and development of molecular biological assays or cell culture/tissue slice cultures;
• To develop and maintain the protocols and Standard Operating Procedures and contribute to laboratory and quality management tasks related to in vivo experimental activities;

• To train researchers and students in e.g., in vivo and relates techniques part of this position.

Your profile

• Completed HLO training with a specialization in in vivo experiments;
• You hold a license for working with laboratory animals (art. 9/13);
• You have experience in conducting pharmacologically oriented animal experiments, in particular zebrafish and/or rodents, and a broad interested in related techniques;
• You have prior experience in zebrafish experimental tasks (i.e., husbandry, breeding, harvesting, microinjection, finclipping, genotyping), or an interest to learn;
• You may have experience with microscopy/imaging techniques, or an interest to learn;
• Experience with animal infection models and/or CNS microdialysis is considered an advantage;
• Experience with working with bacterial microbiology and working under ML2/BSL conditions is considered an advantage;
• Experience in molecule biology techniques, cell culture, microbiology, tissue slice experiments are considered an advantage;
• You are independent, flexible, pro-active, eager to learn and have strong organization skills;

• You are a team player (technician team, researchers, students) and have good communication skills, both in English and in Dutch.

Organization

The Faculty of Science at Leiden University is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelors’ and twelve master’s programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,300 staff and over 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

What we offer

Diversity

Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. LACDR is a highly diverse institute, in culture, background, and gender. We stand for excellence in a caring Institute. We wish to reflect society in all aspects, as we believe that this improves the dynamics in our organization. Therefore, we support and understand the need for a work/life/family balance and consequent varying working hours and places. We believe that doing good science is fun and goes hand in hand with a friendly culture. In the Netherlands, a maternity allowance is standard for 16 weeks. Childcare is available at and near the Bio Science Park.

Want to apply or find out more?

For questions about this position please contact Dr. Rob van Wijk ([email protected]). 

Please include in your application:

• Curriculum vitae
• Letter of motivation
• Names and contact details of 2 references

The deadline for this position is September 11, 2026.