Scientist (Immunology, BioTech)

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.

Requirements

• 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