Key Skills

Job Description

A hands-on food microbiologist or biotechnologist who is fascinated by how bacteria behave in different food matrices and wants to develop practical methods to extract and measure them. About Sensip-dx Sensip-dx is a start-up based in Maastricht that is developing innovative technology to detect living bacteria much faster: not in 2–3 days, but in approximately 15 minutes. Our first application is in the food industry, where we aim to contribute to improved food safety, reduced food waste and more efficient processes for food companies. We are a small and enthusiastic team working on the steps needed to bring our technology to market. With us, you will have the opportunity to become actively involved in R&D, contribute ideas and gain experience in an environment where innovation, practical solutions and entrepreneurship are central. What will you do? You will drive the microbiology aspect of our R&D in the BSL-2 / ML-1 laboratory: · Working with pathogenic bacteria according to clear safety protocols; · Culturing aerobic and non-anaerobic bacteria for testing, including from -80 °C, -20 °C and climate chamber storage; · Investigating growth, survival and behavior of bacteria in various foods; e.g. meat, fish, dairy, plant-based products, beverages and compound foods; · Developing reproducible methods to convert solid, viscous or heterogeneous food products into a liquid sample suitable for our bacterial measurement; · Conducting fundamental and applied research into the microbiological principles underlying our detection technology; · Carrying out experiments using our new bacterial detection method; · Performing control tests, such as CFU/mL determinations using traditional plating methods; · Contributing ideas and experimental insights to the broader Sensip-dx R&D program. Who are we looking for? We are preferably looking for someone with a pragmatic scientific attitude (BSc / MSc), for example a recent graduate in microbiology, life sciences, laboratory technology, biotechnology, food technology or a similar field. You do not need years of experience; curiosity, accuracy and safe working practices are just as important to us. You are a good fit for this role if you: · Have knowledge of culturing bacteria, microbiology, food technology and/or molecular biology; · Can work carefully and safely according to protocols, especially when working with pathogens; · Are comfortable using basic software such as Excel, Word or similar programs; · Are accurate, eager to learn and practically minded; · Enjoy working in a start-up environment where no two days are exactly the same; · Like to challenge other fields of expertise and like to be challenged in your field; · Are lively with a good touch of humor. What do we offer? Sensip-dx offers a challenging R&D role combining food microbiology, biotechnology and the development of new measurement technology. You will get considerable responsibility and freedom to experiment, learn and develop new methods. It is an opportunity to grow with an innovative technology company and contribute directly to improving how the food industry measures and manages bacterial contamination. Practical details · Location: Maastricht, the Netherlands - onsite · Working hours: Full time (part time can be discussed) · Salary: competitive salary, depending on experience and knowledge · Contract: Initial six-month contract, with the intention to extend to permanent contract · Education level: BSc of MSc · Relevant fields: microbiology, food technology or laboratory technology.

Core Responsibilities

Conduct microbiology R&D in a BSL-2 / ML-1 laboratory, including culturing bacteria, studying their behavior in different foods, and developing reproducible methods to prepare food samples for bacterial measurement. Run experiments with the company’s detection technology, perform control tests such as CFU/mL plating, and contribute findings and ideas to the wider R&D program.

Requirements

A BSc or MSc in microbiology, life sciences, laboratory technology, biotechnology, food technology, or a related field is preferred, with knowledge of bacterial culturing, microbiology, food technology, and/or molecular biology. Candidates should work accurately and safely according to protocols, be comfortable with basic office software, and be curious, practical, eager to learn, and comfortable in a start-up environment.