Job Title:
Laboratory manager
Location:
Ghent, Belgium
Department:
Research & Development
Type:
Full-time
About Rainbow Crops
Rainbow Crops leverages multiplex genome editing, precision breeding, and AI to engineer crops with the genetic superpower to adapt to climate challenges, reduce chemical inputs, and enhance nutritional value. By targeting complex traits and improving multiple characteristics simultaneously, our technology tackles plant traits that have historically been difficult to enhance. We partner with seed companies and nonprofits to develop and make these advanced plant genetics accessible, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the environment, while driving sustainability and global food security.
Rainbow Crops is a start-up under incorporation from VIB, a leading entrepreneurial non-profit research institute focused on pioneering strategic basic research in the life sciences. VIB operates closely with the five universities in Flanders. Rainbow Crops is building on the innovative research of Dirk Inzé and Hilde Nelissen from the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology. VIB has a strong track record of launching successful start-ups, having founded over 30 companies, which now collectively employ more than 1,000 people. Notable spin-offs include deVGen (acquired by Syngenta), CropDesign (acquired by BASF), Biotalys, Aphea.Bio, and Protealis.
Position Overview
As our Laboratory Manager, you will be the operational heartbeat of our L1 plant biotechnology facility. This role is designed for a highly skilled molecular biologist who enjoys the balance between sophisticated bench work and the management of a research lab. You will execute critical lab activities required for the gene edited plant pipelines while ensuring the lab operates at peak efficiency and remains in full compliance with biosafety and general safety regulations. You will act as the bridge between scientific design and experimental reality, overseeing everything from competent cell production to complex NGS library preparation. A startup mindset, agility, and the ability to drive innovation in a dynamic environment are essential for success in this role.
Main Responsibilities
1. Technical Hands-on execution
2. Molecular Characterisation: Lead and perform high-precision analysis of DNA, RNA, and proteins, including qPCR, Western blotting, and NGS library preparation.
3. Technique Optimisation: Drive the optimization of molecular characterisation analyses, collaborating with scientists to refine accuracy and throughput.
4. Media & Reagent Prep: Oversee the preparation of specialized microbial and plant tissue culture media.
5. Support Activities: Support scientists on executing vectoring and plant transformation activities, such as cloning workflows, heat shock transformations, production of high-efficiency competent cells, plant transformation, tissue culture and plant growth.
6. Lab Operations & Maintenance
7. Supply Chain & Procurement: Manage the inventory of reagents and consumables, ensure cost-effective purchasing and uninterrupted supply chains.
8. Protocol Management: Maintain and update the lab's library of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reflect the latest molecular techniques and safety standards.
9. Equipment Care: Schedule and oversee preventative maintenance and repairs for critical hardware, including centrifuges.
10. Compliance & Safety
11. Safety Officer: Assume full responsibility for the safety of the laboratory. This includes conducting safety inductions for new staff, performing regular risk assessments, and ensuring all personnel wear appropriate PPE.
12. Emergency Preparedness: Maintain first aid kits and eye-wash stations; lead incident response and documentation if accidents occur.
13. (Bio)Safety lab management: Act as the primary lead for gene editing and GMO compliance according to L1 lab standards.
14. Waste Management: Oversee the proper sterilization and disposal of biological and chemical waste.
Key Skills and Personal Attributes
* Technical Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of plant molecular characterisation (DNA, RNA, and proteins), basic knowledge of recombinant DNA technology and plant tissue culture.
* Organizational Mastery: Ability to track an extensive amount of plasmids, samples and seed packets.
* Problem-Solving: A "fix-it" mindset - whether it's a contaminated incubator or a failed PCR run.
* Strong Communication: Excellent ability to coordinate between research scientists, greenhouse staff, and external vendors.
* Leadership & Collaboration: Ability to lead optimizations while working side-by-side with scientists.
* Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment, adjusting quickly to new challenges and technological advancements.
Qualifications
* Education: Master's in Plant Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or a related field, or equivalent by experience.
* Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in a molecular biology lab.
* Expertise in Characterization: Advanced knowledge of molecular characterization, including the isolation and analysis of DNA, RNA, and proteins (e.g., qPCR, Western Blotting).
* Biotech Fundamentals: Basic knowledge of recombinant DNA technology and tissue culture.
* Plant Biology Background: Prior experience specifically within plant biology is considered a significant plus.
* Software: Proficiency in reporting and data management, such as Benchling or others
Why Join Us?
* Be part of a forward-thinking company shaping the future of sustainable agriculture.
* Collaborate with a talented, diverse team on cutting-edge technologies.
* Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their CV and cover letter detailing their qualifications and interest in the role to