Key Skills

Job Description

Crown Bioscience is a leading global preclinical pharmacology CRO with the largest collection of tumor models (PDX, organoids, ex vivo) and provides drug screening services to pharmaceutical and biotech companies globally. Crown Bioscience made a direct contribution to nearly half FDA-approved oncology drugs in 2020. Over the years, we have extensively profiled several thousand tumor models for their genomics, pharmacology, and histopathology. These rich data resources provide an ideal basis for studying cancer genomics, with direct impact on the discovery and development of novel cancer therapeutics. Crown Bioscience Netherlands is based at the Leiden Bio Science Parc, and is fully dedicated to in vitro preclinical research. Research Associate – In Vitro Operations As a Research Associate, you will be part of the In Vitro Operations team, working alongside scientists who develop and produce cell-line, organoid, and primary-tissue cultures, as well as in vitro assays for commercial projects. Your main responsibilities will include carrying out cell-culture activities and related preparations, and supporting customer and internal projects under the guidance of experienced scientists and Study Directors. You will also contribute to general laboratory duties and other support tasks. This role offers the opportunity to build hands-on experience in in vitro research and laboratory operations while developing your technical skills as part of a collaborative team. Main Responsibilities Passaging and expansion of (immune) cell, organoid cultures and primary patient samples Maintaining stocks of cryopreserved cell models Executing experiments for commercial and internal projects under the direction of Study Directors Performing laboratory tasks: cell culture, seed screening plates using liquid handlers, prepare compound dilutions and dispense to assay plates, fix culture plates, capture images using automated microscopes or other readout methods Carry out tasks and quality control accurately by following standard operating procedures Able to speak and record activities in lab books in English Prepare and store samples and reagents Help to keep equipment and labs in a clean and workable condition to maintain quality of our work Contribute to other routine laboratory tasks that may be required Qualifications HBO, BSc, or MSc degree. Experience with 3D cell cultures is an advantage. Experience understanding and following SOPs. Good numeracy and basic computer skills. Eligible to live and work in the Netherlands. Personal Skills Good time-management and organizational skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills in English. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Accurate, precise, and clean working style. Good record-keeping skills. Careful and meticulous approach, with a strong work ethic.

Core Responsibilities

Perform cell culture and related laboratory preparations, including expanding cell and organoid cultures, maintaining cryopreserved models, and preparing samples and reagents. Execute in vitro experiments for commercial and internal projects under scientific guidance, follow SOPs and quality controls, maintain accurate records, and help keep laboratory spaces and equipment in good condition.

Requirements

A degree at HBO, BSc, or MSc level is required, along with the ability to understand and follow SOPs, good numeracy, and basic computer skills; experience with 3D cell cultures is an advantage. Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the Netherlands and demonstrate strong English communication, organization, accuracy, careful record-keeping, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.