The Flanders Marine Institute is currently looking for a dedicated and skilled full-time laboratory junior technician to support laboratory work and other research tasks in the VLIZ Research Department, in particular on the topic of plastic pollution. This role will involve working with microplastics and macroplastics, conducting laboratory analyses, and assisting with student mentoring and training. You will be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and teamwork. The successful candidate will assist with the laboratory and field work, with the possibility to board the Research Vessels Simon Stevin and Abbé Mann. The position is available to start immediately. - Plan and execute laboratory and field work, including plastic pollution related work. - Assisting in writing and reviewing protocols and instructions. - Prepare samples for testing and using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment (e.g. FT-IR, fluorescence microscopy, etc). - Maintain accurate and organized laboratory and field work records. - Maintain microalgae and invertebrate cultures. - Routine preparation, labelling and storage of reagents, samples, etc. - Ensure the laboratory is well-stocked and resourced. - Follow established procedures, policies, and health and safety regulations. - Keep equipment and work areas clean and well-maintained. - Provide training and support to junior colleagues, students, and interns in laboratory and field work.

- Professional hands-on Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory science or in a relevant scientific field. - Strong technical knowledge, including both laboratory (molecular, toxicology) and sampling techniques or willingness to learn on the job. - Knowledge of Good laboratory practices (GLP) and safety procedures. - Broad interest in marine scientific research. - Willingness to learn from other research fields by attending internal seminars. - Eagerness to learn new techniques and to assist in method development tasks. - Results-oriented working attitude, while keeping a critical perspective. - Self-motivated, proactive, demonstrates strong collaboration skills and is committed to fostering a positive team-oriented work environment. - Flexibility to work in a scientific multicultural environment, including flexible work hours for field work or follow-up experiments, but also interacting within a diverse team of colleagues and working topics. - Good mentoring skills and willingness to mentor junior colleagues and students. - Experience in microscopy, molecular biology techniques, toxicology testing or on plastic pollution is a plus. - Strong communication skills (oral, written) in English (required). - Good level of the Dutch language (preferred). - A valid driver’s license (preferred).