Key Skills

Job Description

Company Overview Qorium is a fast-growing startup committed to advancing sustainable and scalable cultivated leather production. Our dedicated international team works across multiple disciplines to drive innovations that are shaping the future of leather. Position Overview We are looking for a Scientist to join our Cell Biology team in Maastricht. Everything we produce starts with the quality of our cell lines. As a Scientist in Cell Biology, focused on Cell Line Development, you will play a central role in this process. Drawing on your background in genetics, molecular biology and cell signalling, you will guide the selection, characterisation and improvement of our cell lines for proliferation and collagen production and help us understand the pathways that drive their behaviour. This is predominantly a hands-on laboratory role. You will design and conduct your own experiments, analyse the results and translate them into decisions that inform the wider company. You will also coordinate projects and support the research associates in our Cell Biology team, contributing to the team’s development. You will work closely with our tissue engineering and bioprocessing colleagues and see your work progress from the laboratory towards final product. Key responsibilities Conduct literature research and stay up to date with the latest developments in cell biology and cell line development, to create new ideas and opportunities to further optimise cultivated leather Independently design, plan and coordinate research projects, with a focus on cell proliferation and collagen deposition Run experiments, analyse the data and find solutions to complex research questions within agreed deadlines Align your work with our R&D objectives and key results, and regularly discuss scientific progress and research direction with the team Initiate and coordinate the outsourcing of genetic cell interventions and their early characterisation Organise and record all experimental data, protocols and results in line with the company’s data management standards Create clear and effective SOPs and protocols for Cell Biology work Maintain a high standard of lab sterility and follow all safety, health and environmental rules Oversee day-to-day lab operations, support colleagues with technical troubleshooting and look for solutions early Support the Team Lead in defining and tracking progress towards these goals Who You Are You are a curious and motivated scientist who enjoys hands-on work and is comfortable taking the lead. You thrive in a collaborative environment, are detail-oriented in your day-to-day work, and are driven by the idea of contributing to a more sustainable future. At Qorium, our values guide the way we work together: Excellence: You work with precision, dedication and creativity. Integrity: You are honest and open in your work and committed to ethical choices. Respect: You value others, listen actively and contribute to a safe and inclusive workplace. Curiosity: You seek to understand deeply and embrace learning and discovery. Tenacity: You are resilient and flexible, overcoming challenges with determination. Diversity: You welcome different perspectives and believe collaboration across cultures and teams drives innovation. Required skills and qualifications: A PhD in Life Sciences, Cell Biology, Biotechnology or a related field, or an MSc in a related field with 3–5 years of relevant (industry) experience Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, in 2D and/or suspension, including maintaining cells and basic microscopy Strong knowledge of genetics, molecular biology and cell signalling pathways, with hands-on experience in techniques such as qPCR, ELISA, Western blot, RNA-seq or similar Good understanding of genetic engineering approaches, such as CRISPR, gene knock-in or knockout, and stable cell line generation Ability to read and judge genetic and molecular data, such as sequencing, gene expression and protein data Ability to design, run and analyse experiments independently Comfortable taking the lead, delegating tasks, coordinating projects and solving challenges constructively Strong organisational and technical problem-solving skills, with accurate lab records Ability to present experimental results clearly to the team and the Team Lead Good verbal and written communication skills (minimum B2 level English) Permission to work in the EU (Netherlands) Preferred skills: Hands-on experience in cell line development, such as generating stable cell lines, clone selection and characterisation Experience with collagen and/or ECM pathway analysis Experience mentoring or supervising junior colleagues Experience working with external partners or CROs on cell line engineering projects Experience with data analysis, for example in R or Python Experience with an electronic lab notebook or LIMS Candidates who do not meet every preferred skill are still encouraged to apply. What We Offer Work in an excellent, highly motivated international team that combines dedication with a positive and engaging work culture Opportunities to broaden your expertise by learning from different scientific fields and innovative technologies Contribute directly to the progress of lab-grown leather and a more sustainable future 25 days of paid leave per year, complemented by additional benefits Work in the historic city of Maastricht Start date January 2027 How to Apply If you are excited about the opportunity to join our team and meet the qualifications, please apply by emailing your resume directly to HR, [email protected]. A cover letter is welcome; at a minimum, please include a few lines on your motivation for applying. NOTE: Applications received directly by email will be prioritised.

Core Responsibilities

Design and conduct cell biology research focused on cell proliferation, collagen production, and cell line development, then analyse results to guide research and company decisions. Coordinate projects and external genetic interventions, maintain laboratory standards and records, and support colleagues and the Cell Biology Team Lead.

Requirements

Requires a PhD in a relevant life sciences field or an MSc with 3–5 years of relevant industry experience, plus hands-on mammalian cell culture and molecular biology experience. Candidates should be able to independently design and analyse experiments, understand genetic engineering and molecular data, coordinate projects, communicate results in English, and have permission to work in the Netherlands.

Benefits

• 25 Days Of Paid Leave
• Additional Benefits