Research Associate - 12 Month FTC
Key Skills
Job Description
Work Your Magic with us! Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us. Your Role We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate to join our HUB Organoids team in Utrecht for a 12 Month Fixed Term Contract. Join our screening team in a fast-paced Service Department and apply organoid technology to real-world research challenges. You’ll run organoid-based studies end-to-end for HUB projects, ensuring right-first-time execution, data integrity, and audit-ready traceability. You will establish and maintain patient-derived organoid cultures, execute studies from setup to readout, and keep documentation aligned with SOPs and LMS. Expect a hands-on role with tight timelines, regular updates, and opportunities to grow into greater ownership and leadership within a collaborative team based in the Netherlands. Who You Are BSc (HBO) or MSc in Life Sciences with hands-on cell culture experience, preferably with 3D organoids. Proficiency in at least two techniques (viability assays, monolayer culture, qPCR, ELISA/HTRF, flow cytometry) and strong bench skills. Demonstrated ability to work under time pressure while delivering quality, compliant results. Strong ownership, attention to detail, analytical mindset, and adaptability to changing priorities. Fluent English (spoken and written); able to communicate clearly in a cross-functional team. We’re looking for inclusive, curious collaborators who value integrity and continuous learning. What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress! Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!
Core Responsibilities
Establish and maintain patient-derived organoid cultures and execute organoid-based studies from setup through readout for HUB projects. Ensure right-first-time execution, data integrity, audit-ready traceability, and documentation aligned with SOPs and LMS while providing regular updates.
Requirements
A BSc (HBO) or MSc in Life Sciences and hands-on cell culture experience are required, with 3D organoid experience preferred. Candidates should be proficient in at least two listed laboratory techniques and demonstrate strong bench skills, quality-focused work under time pressure, ownership, attention to detail, adaptability, and fluent spoken and written English.
About Merck Life Science
Industry: Biotechnology Research
Company size: 10,001+ employees
Together with our colleagues, customers and stakeholders, we impact life and health with science. Before researchers can make scientific breakthroughs, they must have access to state-of-the-art tools, services and expertise to perform experiments and engineer new products. That’s where we come in. We offer one of the broadest portfolios in the industry for scientists, best-in-class products for pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, and a fully integrated service organization to support CDMO and contract testing across traditional and novel modalities. Our vision is a world where our innovative products, services and digital offerings help create solutions for people globally and a sustainable future for generations to come. Merck is a global science and technology company with around 60,000 employees in more than 66 countries. Not intended for US & CA visitors.