Research Technician – In Vitro Oncology Drug Development

GenLumina is a start-up company based at the Leiden Bioscience Park, developing light-activated therapeutic compounds for precision oncology. We are a small, focused team aiming to validate and advance new treatments through the pre-clinical process.

You will join GenLumina’s R&D team to support early-stage oncology drug development through in vitro, cell-based research. You will operate our biolab, including cell culture management and live 2D/3D sample preparation. In addition, you will prepare and apply DNA-based therapeutic constructs, functionalized with targeting biomolecules, and evaluate their performance in relevant cell models. Your work will span experimental execution, data analysis, and documentation, with responsibility for producing high-quality in-house research batches (non-GLP, with a future transition to GLP). This is a hands-on role at the interface of molecular design and cell biology in a growing biotech spin-off.

GenLumina was founded in August 2024 by a team of three founders with strong scientific and business experience. Our lab team consists of three core scientific employees who are responsible for the day-to-day laboratory work and driving R&D progress. We are a young, highly motivated team with complementary expertise and a shared ambition to develop the next generation of precision cancer treatments.

In addition, we work closely with an experienced group of advisors and collaborators who support and accelerate our drug development efforts.

• Perform in vitro cell-based experiments supporting early-stage oncology drug development
• Maintain and manage cell cultures, including routine culture and experimental preparation for 2D and 3D experiments
• Prepare and apply DNA-based therapeutic constructs, including functionalization with targeting biomolecules (antibodies, peptides)
• Execute experimental protocols with attention to data quality, reproducibility, and safety
• Produce in-house research batches of therapeutic constructs (non-GLP, with a future transition to GLP), with guidance and increasing independence
• Analyze experimental data and document results in laboratory records and internal reports
• Contribute to scientific writing and project documentation as part of the R&D team
• Support day-to-day biolab operation, including equipment use, reagent preparation, and maintaining an organized laboratory environment

• MSc degree in a relevant life sciences field (e.g. biomedical sciences, biology, biotechnology, molecular or cell biology), or equivalent practical experience in a laboratory environment
• Practical experience with in vitro cell culture
• Experience with experimental laboratory work and careful handling of biological materials
• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques and biomolecular handling (e.g. DNA, proteins, antibodies) is an advantage
• Ability to work accurately, document results clearly, and follow experimental protocols
• Interest in early-stage drug development and translational biomedical research
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken
• A proactive, hands-on mindset and the ability to work effectively in a small R&D team

• A hands-on role with real responsibility in a growing biotech start-up
• The opportunity to contribute directly to the development of novel precision oncology therapies
• A collaborative working environment within a small, highly motivated R&D team with short communication lines                                                                                                                                     • Significant room for professional development and learning across experimental biology, drug development, and translational research
• A modern laboratory environment at the Leiden Bioscience Park, embedded in a vibrant community of biotech start-ups and research organisations
• Daily interaction with neighbouring start-ups, shared facilities, and access to a dynamic local life sciences ecosystem, including networking and community events
• Flexible working arrangements and a healthy work–life balance

At GenLumina, you will work at the interface of molecular design and in vitro biology, contributing directly to the development of DNA-based therapeutics for oncology. As part of a small R&D team with short communication lines, your work will have visible impact and will directly inform scientific and strategic decisions.

As an early member of a growing biotech start-up, you will have the opportunity to grow your role alongside our company. With the expansion of GenLumina’s R&D activities, this can naturally develop into increased responsibility and potential leadership or coordination roles, depending on your interests, strengths, and the company’s development.

• You hold an MSc degree in a relevant life sciences field, or have equivalent practical experience in an R&D laboratory environment
• You have hands-on experience with in vitro cell culture
• You are comfortable working in a small, early-stage biotech environment with a high level of responsibility
• You are motivated to contribute to early-stage oncology drug development through experimental laboratory work