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)