Research Technician — Lysosome Biology in Zebrafish (CLN3/Batten Disease)

In this translational project, you will apply recently developed zebrafish Lyso-IP/-Tag lines to interrogate intra-lysosomal proteomes, lipidomes and metabolomes in cln3-deficient models. The goals are to (i) uncover lysosomal pathways perturbed by CLN3 loss using LC-MS-based proteomics and metabolomics of enriched lysosomes from larvae and adult tissues (eye, brain), and (ii) test how different energy sources (lipids, glucose, amino acids) influence disease biomarkers (e.g., GPDs) and lysosomal morphology in vivo. You will work closely with Dr Peter van Hasselt (paediatrician for metabolic diseases),  core facilities (Proteomics, Lipidomics, Metabolomics),  and collaborators at the Hubrecht Institute.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain and manage zebrafish lines: breeding, husbandry, genotyping, and line crosses.
• Prepare lysosome-enriched fractions via Lyso-IP from larvae and adult tissues; perform QC by Western blot and basic fraction purity checks.
• Coordinate and execute sample preparation for LC-MS proteomics, lipidomics and metabolomics; liaise with core facilities and manage sample metadata.
• Perform fluorescence/confocal imaging of fluorescently tagged lysosomes; quantify lysosome number/size and morphology across conditions.
• Microinjection experiments of zebrafish embyos and phenotypic characterization; assess survival, morphology, locomotor behavior, and downstream biomarker changes.
• Maintain accurate lab records, SOPs, and inventory; ensure biosafety and animal welfare compliance; contribute to data organization and basic analysis.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team and communicate results in lab meetings.

You will join the Research Section of the Department of Genetics (UMC Utrecht), embedded in a dynamic translational setting with close ties to the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital (WKZ) and Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM). The project is part of the UMC Utrecht Child Health priority program and benefits from collaborations with the Hubrecht Institute, AUMC Metabolomics, and clinical partners. Our location at the Utrecht Science Park enables extensive interactions and joint projects with neighboring institutes.

• HLO/BSc or MSc in life sciences, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, or equivalent.
• Experience with zebrafish husbandry, breeding, and microinjection is a plus (or clear motivation to learn quickly).
• You hold an animal-experimentation permit in accordance with Article 13f(1) of the Dutch Experiments on Animals Act (mandatory).
• Practical skills in molecular biology (PCR/genotyping, cloning), protein biochemistry (Western blot), and cell/organellar assays.
• Experience with fluorescence/confocal imaging; image quantification skills are a plus.
• Organized, proactive, independent, curiosity-driven, and a team player; proficient in English (spoken and written).
• Weekend availability may occasionally be required to support key experimental procedures or animal care. Scheduling will be coordinated in advance.

• A salary between € 3.064,- and € 4.340,-   gross per month (salary scale 7M), based on full-time employment (36 hours). 
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%. 
• A 1-year contract with the possibility of extension.
• Start date to be agreed upon, preferably January 2026.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution. 
• 100% public transport reimbursement. Are you coming on foot, by bike or by car? You will then receive a reimbursement of € 0.18 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way). 
• Possibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally. 
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.