MAT Research is a pioneering company in the field of pyrogen testing, committed to ushering in a new era of ethical and accurate diagnostics. Since 2016, we have been leading the development of the Monocyte Activation Test (MAT), an animal-free alternative to traditional Rabbit Pyrogen Tests. Our ready-to-use MAT kits offer a robust and highly reliable method for detecting a broad range of pyrogens in parenteral drugs. ISO:9001:2015 certified, we uphold the highest standards of quality in all our products and services. By focusing on in-vitro human-based testing, we aim to improve patient safety while saving hundreds of thousands of animal lives each year. We are steadfast supporters of the European Pharmacopoeia's vision to replace animal-based tests with MAT in line with regulatory guidelines. For more details, go to our job page.
We are looking for a motivated Scientist with a strong immunology background to join our team in Leiden. This role is suitable for someone with a PhD who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, scientific problem-solving, and contributing to product development in a biotech environment.
You will contribute to our R&D activities, support assay development and optimisation, and help ensure high-quality lab execution and documentation. This is a great opportunity for a scientist who wants to grow in a scale-up biotech company while applying their immunology expertise to meaningful, animal-free testing.
The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with cell-based assays and analytical methods, and is excited to work in a practical, quality-focused lab environment.
Your key responsibilities will include:
Scientific research, experimental execution, and laboratory testing.
Support of product development and assay optimisation.
Contribution to Quality Assurance & Control (QA/QC) standards.
Support with product-related lab work, manufacturing activities, and delivery processes.
Support with regulatory compliance documentation.
Collaboration with lab technicians and scientists to support smooth lab operations.
To fulfil these responsibilities, you will:
Design, plan, and execute experiments with support from senior colleagues where needed.
Routinely perform immunological, cell-based, and analytical methods, such as PBMC isolation, ELISA, and Flow Cytometry.
Analyse experimental data and translate results into clear reports, summaries, and technical updates.
Maintain accurate experiment records and documentation to support data integrity and traceability.
Follow internal SOPs, lab safety practices, and quality requirements.
Contribute to assay optimisation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of lab workflows.
Support preparation of technical documentation and, over time, contribute to client-facing scientific support or training where relevant.
Work closely with the scientists and technicians to support daily lab operations and product-related work.
Living in the Netherlands near Leiden or able to relocate in the short term.
PhD in Immunology, Immuno-oncology, Immunotherapy, Cell Biology, or a related discipline. (Fresh PhD graduates are welcome to apply)
Hands-on experience with PBMC isolations, cellular assays, and analytical methods such as ELISA and Flow Cytometry. Familiarity with regulatory standards such as ICH is a plus.
Strong analytical mindset and experience working with scientific data analysis tools.
Demonstrated precision, attention to detail, and reliability in experimental execution.
Familiarity with quality standards (GMP/GLP or ISO:9001) is a plus.
Good scientific writing and reporting skills.
Adaptable self-starter with good teamwork skills and the ability to manage priorities to meet deadlines.
Comfortable working in a hands-on, fast-moving biotech scale-up environment.
Willingness to travel occasionally for business trips or client support.
Excellent communication skills with fluency in English (Dutch, German, or French is a plus).
Your compensation will be:
Competitive base salary (Full-time, 40 hrs/week)
25 vacation days per year + national holidays