Laboratory Coordinator & Hub Manager                                                                         

Introduction

The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp is a leading independent academic centre for research and innovation, education, and clinical services in public health, global health and tropical medicine. Founded in 1906, ITM’s research today focuses on Disease Prevention, Control and Elimination, Emerging Infections and Outbreaks, and Sustainable and Equitable Health Systems, with antimicrobial resistance embedded across all research themes.

The Department of Clinical Sciences within ITM strives to improve diagnostics and treatment of tropical and globalized infectious diseases with the aim to promote the health of the individual patient. The Department of Clinical Sciences has renowned expertise in conducting clinical trials in low to high income settings and in dealing with (re-)emerging epidemics. In addition to our STI/HIV & travel clinic and dedicated Clinical Trial Site, the department hosts the ‘Clinical Reference Laboratory’ and several research laboratories.

We are looking for a ‘Laboratory Coordinator & Hub manager’ to coordinate and streamline laboratory activities across the laboratories of the Department of Clinical Sciences. In addition, you would also actively participate in, and specifically manage, the activities of the newly established and institutional ‘Cell Isolation and Imaging Hub’ to gain or retain hands-on experience in laboratory and administrative procedures.

Assignment

·       You will set-up and manage the ‘Cell Isolation and Imaging Hub’, and assist in its daily laboratory activities (e.g. cell isolation/enrichment, flow cytometry).

·       You will coordinate usage of shared equipment within the department, including maintenance contracts and related budgetary activities, in collaboration with the purchase and quality departments.

·       You will assist in ordering and exporting of reagents/equipment, drafting tender procedures, negotiating with major suppliers, and audit readiness, in collaboration with the purchase and logistic departments.

·       You will provide technical advice in laboratory set-up and drafting of biosafety files. More specifically, you will play a central role in the preparation and roll-out of new laboratory infrastructure in ITM’s extension plans.

·       You will implement (bio)safety and environmental requirements in collaboration with the prevention unit of ITM (e.g. introduction of new activities/instruments/chemicals).

·       You will aid in proper health and safety introduction for new users and regulation of lab access to the BSL-1/2/3 laboratories.

·       You will aid in implementation of QA systems (including calibration activities) for both non-regulated as well as ISO accredited activities in collaboration with QA unit.

·       You will actively look for opportunities for improvement, help streamline activities across the departments, and attend relevant conferences/meetings & trainings.

·       You will represent the department in policy and quality assurance meetings and committees, and regularly present your ideas/findings to the department.

·       You may be involved in staff and student training programs.

·       You are advised by the institutional safety and quality assurance departments and will work closely with all laboratory units of the department as with the laboratory coordinator of the Biomedical Sciences Department.

·       You will be positioned in the Clinical Immunology Unit that hosts the ‘Cell Isolation and Imaging Hub’, and report to its head as well as the departmental line management.

Profile

·       You have a bachelor’s degree in the field of (bio)medical sciences, lab technology or other related life sciences.

·       You have expertise or interest in (bio)safety, QA systems and laboratory coordination.

·       You have expertise or interest in cell isolation and imaging techniques (e.g. PBMC isolation, flow cytometry, ELISPOT).

·       You can show a technical track record with at least 5 years hands-on lab experience.

·       You are an initiative-taker, with good organizational skills, analytical skills, and eye for detail.

·       You have excellent communication skills to communicate clearly and transparent.

·       You are passionate to work in a laboratory and improve its operations.

·       Strong affinity with good clinical (laboratory) practices is considered an asset.

·       Willingness to travel to tropical destinations is considered an advantage.

·       Coaching and/or training skills are a plus.

·       You speak and write Dutch and English fluently. 

Offer

The Institute of Tropical Medicine is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive institute. We strive for excellence and relevance, integrity, sustainability, persistence and fairness. Your assignment contributes to the socially relevant mission of the ITM. We value human dignity and diversity, academic creativity and a critical spirit, solidarity and cooperation. We take care of the well-being of employees, students, patients and clients. 

The ITM offers you:

·       A full-time position of indefinite duration. Starting date: as soon as possible.

·       A workplace in the middle of the vibrant city of Antwerp, easily accessible by public transport.

·       A salary package depending on your profile and professional experience, and supplementary benefits, such as private pension scheme, meal voucher subscription and reimbursement of transport. A pleasant working atmosphere with attention to work-life balance and individual growth and development.

·       Relevant trainings at ITM or at external institutes

·       Possibility of sporadic teleworking in Belgium.