Laboratory technician in stem cell research for neurodegenerative diseases

This is NTNU

NTNU is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile and a focus in professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim.

At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 43,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world.

About the job

As part of the newly established Norwegian “Nasjonalforeningens dementia research center” the Neurobiological Laboratory lead by Associate Professor Katja Scheffler is looking for an enthusiastic lab technician in a 100% position. The Scheffler group is focusing on bridging basic molecular neuroscience with innovative translational research to advance the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and to contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies. As a lab technician with us, you will have the main responsibility for managing the stem cell lab and providing hands-on guidance to students in the lab.

The period of employment is 2 years, with the possibility of extension. Start for the position is planned for early 2026.
Your immediate Line Manager will be the Head of Department.

Duties of the position

•  Generate and maintain various cell lines, including stem cells and organoids
• Molecular biological standard methods (extraction of DNA, RNA and proteins, immunoblotting, ELISA, immunostaining, microscopy)
• Handling and processing of human biological material
• General laboratory organization (manage lab inventory, order and prepare reagents etc.)
• Independent planning and carrying out of laboratory tasks
• Record-keeping, protocol- and data management
• Support training of students in the lab

Required selection criteria

• Successfully completed bachelor’s degree in biosciences or training as a technical assistant, biological laboratory assistant or comparable training. Prior learning and work experience relevant to the duties in question may compensate for the education requirement.
• Experience with stem cell work
• Good oral and written skills in English

Preferred selection criteria

• Hands-on experience with the methods mentioned above
• Experience with handling human biological material and biobanking
• Experience with lab management
• Basic knowledge of Norwegian

Personal characteristics 

• High degree of responsibility and reliability
•  Independent and structured way of working
• High degree of flexibility
• Works well in a team
• Excellent communication skills

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability, as well as motivation, in terms of the qualification requirements specified in the advertisement

We offer

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

The gross salary for the position of Principal Engineer code 1085 is normally remunerated at gross from NOK 480 600 – 568 700 before tax per year, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2 % is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. 

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria's in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

The position is conditional on external funding.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.

About the application

Please note that your application will be considered based solely on information submitted by the application deadline. You must therefore ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience fulfil the criteria specified above. 

The application must contain:

• CV, certificates and diplomas
• name and adress of three references
• motivation letter

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor's and master's education, in addition to other higher education. Description of the documentation required can be found here. If you already have a statement from Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills, please attach this as well

General information

NTNU believes that inclusion and diversity is a strength. We want our faculty and staff to reflect Norway’s culturally diverse population and we continuously seek to hire the best minds. This enables NTNU to increase productivity and innovation, improve decision making processes, raise employee satisfaction, compete academically with global top-ranking institutions and carry out our social responsibilities within education and research. NTNU emphasizes accessibility and encourages qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender identity, ability status, periods of unemployment or ethnic and cultural background.

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality
 

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted. 

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you want to reserve yourself from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the reservation is not accepted.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Associate Professor Katja Scheffler, katja.scheffler@ntnu.no.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR adviser Hege Tverå Nilsson, e-mail: hege.tvera.nilsson@ntnu.no

If you think this looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.