Laboratory Technician Position at 60-100%

UNIL is a leading international teaching and research institution, with over 5,000 employees and 17,000 students split between its Dorigny campus, CHUV and Epalinges. As an employer, UNIL encourages excellence, individual recognition and responsibility.

The Department of Ecology and Evolution of the University of Lausanne invites applications for the position of a Laboratory Technician.

Laboratory Technician at 60-100%

Expected start date in position : 01.08.2024 or to be discussed

Contract length : This contract is for a maximum of 6 months at 100%

Activity rate : 60-100%

Workplace : Lausanne-Dorigny

The research group of Professor Erica van de Waal, at the Department of Ecology and Evolution, UNIL, is seeking for a highly motivated laboratory technician, with background in DNA extraction, amplification and capture, with interest to work in the development of new methods aiming to capture high-quality genetic data from non-invasive samples of wild vervet monkeys. The successful candidate will work closely with PhD students and postdoctoral fellows on the development of new projects in vervet genetics, particularly in designing RNA probes and hybridization capture.

This position will require a dedicated person, able to work autonomously to carry on day-to-day tasks to participate in the achievement of the goals of the diverse projects.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

• Organize the samples and update the database
• Perform qPCR and PCR techniques to evaluate the ratio of host versus non-host DNA within faecal samples
• Perform DNA extraction/purification from faecal and tissue samples
• Proceed with Hybridization Capture double rad sequencing (HyRAD) protocol :
  • Apply the ddRAD sequencing protocol to the fresh samples
  • Preparation of RNA probes from tissue samples
  • Preparation of shotgun libraries from faecal samples
  • Perform hybridation capture of target DNA in the fecal samples using the RNA probes before sequencing
  • Perform size selection and purification at different steps of the protocol (BluePippin and magnetic beads)
• Optimize and simplify the protocol
• Take charge of the common solution preparation according to the planning of experiments, ensure that the conservation of the solutions is appropriate.
• Contribute, with the rest of the team, to the improvement of the global organization of the laboratory tasks and process.

• Diploma of lab technician school or equivalent.
• Good knowledge of English (able to work in English, written and spoken).
• 2-4 years of experience in a research laboratory (including summer jobs or internships).
• Practical knowledge of office software.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

Profile:

• Excellent manual dexterity and ability to work in clean and sterile environment.
• Persistence, patience and precision in repetitive tasks, detail-oriented.
• Thorough knowledge and successful experience with molecular techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction/purification, qPCR, PCR and library preparation.
• Experience with protocols for ddRAD sequencing and/or DNA capture using probes is a plus.
• Ability to switch easily from routine tasks to high precision tasks.
• Ability to take initiative when appropriate to improve the process or the organization of the work at the bench.
• Very good personal organization and excellent time management skills.

We offer a welcoming working situation in a multicultural, diversified and dynamic academic environment, with many opportunities for professional training, for continuous training, university-wide activities, and other benefits to discover. In this role, you will also gain hands-on experience with advanced and basic genetics techniques applicable to a wide array of research and non-research projects.

For further information please contact Prof. Erica van de Waal: erica.vandewaal@unil.ch

Deadline : 01.07.2024

Formal applications should include:

• A cover letter explaining motivation and qualification for the position
• A CV (the dates month + year of the previous professional experiences must be clearly indicated in the CV)
• A copy of the lab tech school diploma or equivalent
• A copy of the work certificates
• The contact details of 1 or 2 referees

To receive full consideration, application documents should be uploaded online through the University of Lausanne recruitment platform.

We thank you for your understanding.

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