(Assistant) Researcher Maternity leave replacement 1-year contract
Ncardia
Posted on Mar 6, 2026
The position
As an (Assistant) Researcher in iPSC Manufacturing and Drug Discovery, you will join our scientific team and contribute to the production of iPSC-derived as well as drug discovery processes. Your primary responsibilities include executing and optimizing cell culture processes, supporting large-scale differentiation protocols, characterization of iPSC-derived cells, and their use in complex cell-based assays for drug screening, and ensuring adherence to quality and regulatory standards.
You are an enthusiastic and detail-oriented researcher who enjoys hands-on laboratory work. You thrive in a team-oriented setting, have a strong commitment to quality, and are capable of working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
📍Job Location: Leiden, TheNetherlands
💼 Position Type: Full-Time – Temporary 1-year contract | Tuesday to Saturday (except during training period )
📅 Start Date: April
We offer a collaborative and stimulating work environment with opportunities to gain valuable industry experience in iPSC cell therapy manufacturing. A competitive salary package will be provided based on education and experience.
Interested?
Send your motivation letter with curriculum vitae to: careers@ncardia.com
As an (Assistant) Researcher in iPSC Manufacturing and Drug Discovery, you will join our scientific team and contribute to the production of iPSC-derived as well as drug discovery processes. Your primary responsibilities include executing and optimizing cell culture processes, supporting large-scale differentiation protocols, characterization of iPSC-derived cells, and their use in complex cell-based assays for drug screening, and ensuring adherence to quality and regulatory standards.
You are an enthusiastic and detail-oriented researcher who enjoys hands-on laboratory work. You thrive in a team-oriented setting, have a strong commitment to quality, and are capable of working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Responsibilities
- Perform PSC culture and differentiation following established protocols
- Support scale-up and optimization of cell manufacturing processes
- Support cell iPSC culture in various formats (3D and 2D)
- Assist inquality control testing and documentation of manufacturing processes
- Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure high-quality data reporting
- Collaborate with scientists to meet project goals
- Contribute to laboratory maintenance, including weekend cell maintenance
- Adhere to regulatory and quality guidelines for manufacturing and discovery processes
- Assess effects of putative therapeutics (small molecules, antibodies, siRNA/shRNA, antisense oligonucleotides, AAV) and analyze obtained data independently
- Collect, record, and report data accurately following standard operating procedures
- Communicate routinely with team members to facilitate discussion on progress as well as possible challenges and opportunities
- B.Sc. or M.Sc. in molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with stem cell culture, preferably iPSCs
- Familiarity with cell differentiation and bioprocessing techniques
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow protocols accurately
- Effective teamwork and communication skills
- Adaptability and problem-solving mindset
- Proficiency in English
- Experience in aLife Sciences/Biotech company or CRO
- Experience with complex in vitro biology, such as stem cells and 3D/organoid culturing is preferred
- Familiarity with the following techniques: aseptic in vitro cellculture, cell-based assays, tissue engineering and organoid formation, flow cytometry, high-content imaging, luminescence/fluorescence/absorbance assays, metabolic assays, electrophysiology, calcium-imaging, laboratory automation
- Highly motivated, proactive, accurate, and committed team-player
- We expect commitment and flexibility as well as reliability and open mindset
- Quality awareness
- Understanding of good documentation practices
- Responsible and result-oriented
- Ability to work a flexible schedule when work is required
📍Job Location: Leiden, TheNetherlands
💼 Position Type: Full-Time – Temporary 1-year contract | Tuesday to Saturday (except during training period )
📅 Start Date: April
We offer a collaborative and stimulating work environment with opportunities to gain valuable industry experience in iPSC cell therapy manufacturing. A competitive salary package will be provided based on education and experience.
Interested?
Send your motivation letter with curriculum vitae to: careers@ncardia.com

