Aquaculture R&D facility support technician

Student job – Weekends

OUR COMPANY

IMAQUA is Contract Research Organization that provides contract research services to the shrimp aquaculture industry. We provide high quality testing services for application on the development, validation and valorization of shrimp health products. We consult on conceptual issues and various aspects of shrimp health and immunity.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Currently we are looking for an Aquaculture R&D facility support technician (student) to help our team working on weekends. Working alongside our scientific staff you will support our research activities and provide assistance in our routine tasks.

TASKS

Your tasks among others will include:

  • Routine maintenance of experimental animal facilities 
  • Routine shrimp care tasks
  • Data entry into the system
  • Diverse other tasks

REQUIRED CANDIDATE PROFILE

  • Flexible, proactive and motivated
  • Good spoken English
  • Handy and solution oriented
  • Eye for detail
  • Animal caretaking degree is a plus

If you think you are a good match for our requirements, then please send us your CV to HR@imaqua.eu before 10/09/2021

Microbiology laboratory technician

JOB DESCRIPTION

The laboratory technician at our microbiology laboratory will have the responsibility for supporting laboratory management, client trials and internal R&D activities essential to the innovation portfolio and smooth functioning of IMAQUA. 

The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in animal sciences, particularly aquaculture and previous laboratory experience. IMAQUA laboratory technician should be responsible with a high level of integrity, able to follow protocols and instructions and a team player who shares the team’s passion for driving innovation with the highest quality standards. Strong communication skills and ability to organize work are required.

You will work alongside our scientific staff on challenging research projects in shrimp aquaculture. We offer an attractive salary package proportional to performance and responsibilities. 

REQUIRED CANDIDATE PROFILE

  • Studies in biotechnology or similar
  • Previous laboratory work experience is a plus
  • Proficient with the following techniques: Microbiology, Cell culture, ELISA, qPCR (other techniques such as histology is a plus)
  • Hands on experience working with laboratory animals 
  • Must be able to handle multiple assignments successfully
  • Must be precise and accurate, well organized with excellent time management
  • Must be able to perform in a demanding, fast-paced environment
  • Good mathematical (basic statistical skills highly desirable), problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills, professionalism
  • Team player attitude
  • Ability to follow strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) and to develop new ones
  • Discrete and able to handle confidential data 
  • Excellent English language skills, spoken and written
  • Ready to work on periodical weekend shift

TASKS

  • Plan, coordinate and execute of in vitro microbiological/molecular tests

(bacterial culture, determination of MIC and bacteriostatic activity of experimental products, fixation and staining of tissues, microbiological test of shrimp digestive and hepatopancreas and similar)

  • Support in vivo infection trials 

(setting up and execution of controlled infection experiments on shrimp, blood withdrawal and testing of immune parameters and similar)

  • Support smooth running of the microbiology laboratory
  • Manage laboratory materials stocks and inventory, records and files
  • Ensure the implementation of GLPs 

If you are interested, please send your CV to HR@imaqua.eu before 22/06/2021

ANIMAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN

JOB DESCRIPTION

Currently we are looking for an animal research technician to join our young and dynamic international team working on challenging research projects in shrimp aquaculture. Working alongside other scientific staff you will support our research activities through daily shrimp care, monitoring, recording and reporting on various shrimp health parameters.

TASKS

Your tasks among others will include:

  • Feeding the shrimp and monitoring of various shrimp health parameters
  • Preparation of shrimp feed
  • Reporting through collection and entry of data into the electronic database
  • Daily maintenance and support of shrimp breeding facilities
  • Carrying out shrimp breeding procedures
  • Carrying out various experimental trial procedures, including preparation and clearing up of experimental facilities
  • Contributing to optimisation of existing standard operating procedures and work instructions.

REQUIRED CANDIDATE PROFILE

  • Bachelor degree in biology related study fields
  • Experience in aquaculture is a plus
  • Flexible, proactive and motivated
  • Solution oriented
  • Eye for detail, precision
  • Resilience and strong sence of responsibility
  • Willing to work on weekend rotation (1-2 weekends per month)
  • Good spoken English

If you think you are a good match for our requirements, then please send us your CV and short motivation letter to HR@imaqua.eu

Closing date for applications 30/09/2021

SENIOR LABORATORY TECHNICIAN – AQUACULTURE

OUR COMPANY

IMAQUA is Contract Research Organization that provides contract research services to the shrimp aquaculture industry. We provide high quality testing services for application on the development, validation and valorization of shrimp health products. We consult on conceptual issues and various aspects of shrimp health and immunity.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The senior laboratory technician at our microbiology laboratory will have the responsibility for supporting laboratory management, client trials and internal R&D activities essential to the innovation portfolio and smooth functioning of IMAQUA. 

The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in animal sciences, particularly aquaculture and previous laboratory experience. IMAQUA laboratory technician should be responsible with a high level of integrity, able to follow protocols and instructions and a team player that shares the team’s passion for driving innovation with the highest quality standards. Strong communication skills and ability to organize work are required.

You will work alongside our scientific staff on challenging research projects in shrimp aquaculture. We offer an attractive salary package proportional to performance and responsibilities. 

REQUIRED CANDIDATE PROFILE

  • At least 5 years laboratory work experience 
  • Studies in biotechnology or similar
  • Proficient with following techniques: qPCR, Microbiology, Histology, Cell culture, ELISA
  • Hands on experience working with laboratory animals
  • Must be able to handle multiple assignments successfully
  • Must be precise and accurate, well organized with excellent time management
  • Must be able to perform in a demanding, fast-paced environment
  • Good mathematical (basic statistical skills highly desirable), problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Well-developed interpersonal skills
  • Possess strong initiative, professional, team player attitude
  • Ability to follow strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) and to develop new ones
  • Discrete and able to handle confidential data 
  • Excellent English language skills, spoken and written
  • Ready to work on periodical weekend shift

TASKS

Planning, coordination and execution of in vitro microbiological/molecular tests and in vivo infection trials:

  • Bacterial culture
  • Determination of MIC of experimental antibiotics, probiotics and feed additives
  • Bacteriostatic activity with agar diffusion assay of experimental products
  • Fixation and staining of thin sections of shrimp tissues
  • Microbiology test of shrimp digestive and hepatopancreas
  • Analysis immune parameter of shrimp haemolymph and tissues
  • Shrimp haemocyte collection, total count and differential count
  • Probiotics and pathogen co-culture assay
  • Shrimp gene expression analysis
  • Planning and preparation of trial documentation
  • Setting up and execution of controlled infection experiments on shrimp 
  • Drafting of internal reports

Organisation and quality control:

  • Responsible for routine laboratory compliance and maintenance
  • Managing laboratory materials stocks and inventory
  • Ensures strict adherence to biosafety rules and procedures
  • Manages laboratory records and files

Handling and execution:

  • Correct blood withdrawal from shrimp & testing of immune parameters
  • Examination of animals for behavioural changes or clinical symptoms
  • Ensures execution of GLPs in the lab and follow safety rules and procedures
  • Development of daily planning of laboratory procedures and coordinating their execution

If you are interested, please send your CV and motivation letter to HR@imaqua.eu before 30/04/2021 (deadline extended)

Kateřina Řeháková

During her academic years Kateřina worked in the laboratories of Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC) and University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Czech Republic as well as Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of sciences in UGent, where she developed various laboratory skills in fields of microbiology, molecular biology and chemical, biochemical and physical analysis.

In 2019 Kateřina has joined IMAQUA as a Junior laboratory technician in development, validation and valorisation of shrimp health products.

For upcoming 4 years Kateřina will be working alongside IMAQUA’s and UGent’s scientists on the PhD research project “Establishment of an innovative contract research platform to support shrimp health product R&D”.

This project aims at expanding IMAQUA’s service portfolio to a wider range of shrimp immune parameters as well as contributing to a consensus on shrimp immune parameters within the scientific community.

Mathias Corteel

Dr. Mathias Corteel obtained his degree in veterinary medicine in 2005, specializing in research and aquaculture. Since then, he has been hooked on research into diseases of shrimp and fish, first during his Ph.D. at the faculty of veterinary medicine, Ghent University, later working for INVE Aquaculture. Most of his research has focused on the pathogenesis of White Spot Syndrome Virus, namely how the virus gains entry to its hosts and what measures can be taken to control infection and disease. He (co)authored 12 publications, 2 book chapters and several trade magazine articles.

Natasja Cox

Natasja obtained her degree in Veterinary Medicine from Ghent University in 2018, specializing in research, livestock and aquatic animals. Her master thesis on necrotic enteritis in poultry was completed at the Laboratory of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Subsequently, she was admitted to the Vlerick Business School and graduated from the Master’s in General Management programme in 2019. She went on to co-found and work at Ziphius Therapeutics.

In 2020, Natasja joined IMAQUA as a PhD candidate. For the upcoming 4 years, she will be working alongside IMAQUA’s and UGent’s scientists on the PhD research project “Development of innovative experimental infection models for economically devastating microbial infections in shrimp”.

Laboratory technician

JOB DESCRIPTION

Currently we are looking for a highly motivated colleague with high sense of commitment and responsibility to join our young and dynamic international team. You will work alongside our scientific staff on challenging research projects in shrimp aquaculture. We offer an attractive salary package proportional to performance and responsibilities.

REQUIRED CANDIDATE PROFILE

  • Studies in biotechnology or similar
  • Experience of at least 1 year in laboratory work
  • Outstanding organisational skills
  • Strong sense of motivation and initiative
  • Strong sense of responsibility and meticulous attention to detail
  • Ability to follow strict standard operating procedures
  • Excellent communicator
  • Discrete and able to handle confidential data
  • Willing to do shifting weekend
  • Excellent English language skills, spoken and written
  • Strong knowledge on Microsoft office package and software in general is a plus

TASKS

  • Planning, setting up and undertaking microbiological/molecular tests and in vivo infection trials:
    • Planning and preparation of trial documentation
    • Setting up and execution of controlled infection experiments on shrimp
    • Drafting of internal reports
    • Overview and follow up of all experiments and trials
  • Organisation and quality control:
    • Complying with ordering system rules
    • Calibration of equipment
    • Ongoing quality control of maintenance, cleaning and sterility of equipment
    • Materials stock administration
  • Handling and execution:
    • Correct blood withdrawal from shrimp & testing of immune parameters
    • Examination of animals for behavioural changes or clinical symptoms
    • Compliance with safety procedures
    • Development of daily planning & task overview
  • Animal experiments:
    • Shrimp infection trials (mainly)
    • Nutrition trials and related shrimp care

If you are interested, please send your CV and motivation letter to HR@imaqua.eu before 30 September 2020.

ANIMAL RESEARCH TECHNICIAN

JOB DESCRIPTION

Currently we are looking for an animal research technician to join our young and dynamic international team working on challenging research projects in shrimp aquaculture. Working alongside other scientific staff you will support our research activities through daily shrimp care, monitoring, recording and reporting on various shrimp health parameters.

TASKS

Your tasks among others will include:

  • Feeding the shrimp and monitoring of various shrimp health parameters
  • Preparation of shrimp feed
  • Reporting through collection and entry of data into the electronic database
  • Daily maintenance and support of shrimp breeding facilities
  • Carrying out shrimp breeding procedures
  • Carrying out various experimental trial procedures, including preparation and clearing up of experimental facilities
  • Contributing to optimisation of existing standard operating procedures and work instructions.

REQUIRED CANDIDATE PROFILE

  • Bachelor degree in biology related study fields
  • Experience in aquaculture is a plus
  • Flexible, proactive and motivated
  • Solution oriented
  • Eye for detail, precision
  • Resilience and strong sence of responsibility
  • Willing to work on weekend rotation (1-2 weekends per month)
  • Good spoken English
  • Driver license

If you think you are a good match for our requirements, then please send us your CV and short motivation letter to HR@imaqua.eu

Closing date for applications 30 November 2020.

Natasja – IMAQUA’s new PhD candidate

Introducing Natasja Cox– IMAQUA’s Phd candidate under Baekeland Mandate, granted by VLAIO (Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship organisation)

Natasja obtained her degree in Veterinary Medicine from Ghent University in 2018, specializing in research, livestock and aquatic animals. Her master thesis on necrotic enteritis in poultry was completed at the Laboratory of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Subsequently, she was admitted to the Vlerick Business School and graduated from the Master’s in General Management programme in 2019. She went on to co-found and work at Ziphius Therapeutics.

In 2020, Natasja joined IMAQUA as a PhD candidate. For the upcoming 4 years, she will be working alongside IMAQUA’s and UGent’s scientists on the PhD research project “Development of innovative experimental infection models for economically devastating microbial infections in shrimp”.

This project aims at expanding IMAQUA’s service portfolio to a wider range of microbial infection models as well as contributing to advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease in shrimp.