Laboratory Assistant position – genetic engineering safety area

About TU Darmstadt

TU Darmstadt stands for excellent and relevant science. We play a key role in shaping profound global transformation processes – from the energy transition to artificial intelligence – through outstanding findings and forward-looking study programs. Our cutting-edge research is concentrated in three fields: Energy and Environment, Information and Intelligence, and Matter and Materials. As a university firmly rooted in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan region and with a strong international focus, we are committed to European values ​​and European integration.

About our area

The field of biological chemistry develops peptides and peptidomimetics for modifying protein functions, as protein anchors, and as enzyme substrates. Such peptides are used, among other things, in the development of enzyme-based assays for coagulation factors and anticoagulants, but also as inhibitors of therapeutically relevant proteins such as HDAC4, which are characterized in cell models.

Your tasks

As a laboratory assistant, you will support the Department of Biological Chemistry by performing basic tasks in the operation of the genetic engineering safety area and the general laboratory infrastructure, and by providing materials and cells for doctoral students’ research projects and practical courses. Your tasks will include:

• basic activities in the field of genetic engineering safety (S1) in the sense of: 
  • Cultivation and preparation of mammalian cell lines for cell-based experiments
  • Cultivation of bacteria and yeasts for protein expression
  • Verification of the identity of cell cultures and testing for contamination
  • Storage and care of cryopreserved strains
  • Deactivation and disposal of genetically modified organisms
  • Instruction of students and staff in basic work techniques
• Maintenance of general laboratory infrastructure. This includes: 
  • regular inspection of safety-related laboratory equipment 
  • Coordination of appointments for equipment maintenance
  • Replenishing material and chemical stocks
  • Maintenance of the chemicals register
  • Orders via the electronic ordering system
• Support for doctoral candidates in research and teaching. This includes:
  • Transfection of mammalian cells and transformation of bacteria
  • Expression of proteins in recombinant cells
  • Purification of proteins by precipitation, chromatography and dialysis.
  • Preparation of buffers and media
  • Disinfection and cleaning of glassware
  • Providing reagents and consumables for classroom practicals
  • Supervision of experiments in protein biochemistry and cell culture
  • Instruction of students and staff in basic work techniques 

Your profile

They have:

• Completed training as a technical assistant or laboratory technician.
• Relevant practical experience in the cultivation of mammalian cells
• Practical experience with basic work in the field of genetic engineering safety and handling, functional testing and maintenance of the necessary equipment (autoclave, cooling centrifuge, suction system, sterile bench, etc.)
• Practical experience in the expression and purification of proteins from bacteria and yeasts
• Practical experience in the field of biomacromolecule analysis, especially proteins
• Practical experience in the field of chromatography

Should you possess a comparable qualification, you will be classified in pay group 8 TV-TU Darmstadt.

You will also bring:

• Experience in handling electronic ordering systems and chemical databases
• Experience in website maintenance is desirable.

Personally, you are characterized by:

• Ability to plan work independently
• Good time management
• Teamwork skills
• good communication skills

We offer

The Technical University of Darmstadt offers diverse and challenging tasks, independent work, current technologies, good collegial and cooperative collaboration, needs-based training opportunities and individual personnel development.

• Development and design – a comprehensive internal training program as well as opportunities for further qualification and development
• Vacation/Educational Leave – 30 days of vacation per year (for full-time employees) and 5 days of educational leave
• Sustainable and mobile – free travel entitlement in all regional transport in Hesse through the Hesse State Ticket according to the applicable fare regulations, as well as mobile working.
• Fit and healthy – free medical check-ups and a wide range of discounted sports activities
• Work-life balance – flexible working hours; company health management
• Old-age provision – supplementary pension scheme for public service employees (VBL) according to the applicable regulations
• Company bike/bike leasing
• Family-friendliness/Reconciliation of family/care/work – childcare services and payment of a child allowance (according to collective bargaining agreements), holiday programs

General Information / Data Protection

The Technical University of Darmstadt aims to increase the proportion of women on its staff and therefore particularly encourages women to apply. Applicants with a disability rating of at least 50% or those with equivalent status will be given preference if equally qualified. Remuneration is based on the collective agreement for the Technical University of Darmstadt (TV-TU Darmstadt). Part-time employment is generally possible.

By submitting your application, you consent to your data being stored and processed for the purpose of the recruitment process. You can find our privacy policy on our website.

Contact person

For any questions regarding this position, please contact Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Katja Schmitz at +49 6151 16 21015 .