Associate Researcher (Drug Product and Analytical)

ProQR Therapeutics is a biotechnology company listed on NASDAQ with offices in Leiden, the Netherlands and Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. ProQR is focused on the development of life changing RNA therapies to meet the unmet need of individuals and families with common and rare diseases. A team of 150+ enthusiastic ProQRians from all walks of life and more than 30 different nationalities is up to this challenge. We have the passion and commitment to make a difference in the lives of the communities we serve. Our proprietary Axiomer® RNA editing technology platform enables the editing of specific single nucleotides in RNA using the cells own editing machinery. Axiomer® RNA editing technology harnesses ADAR (Adenosine Deaminase Acting on RNA), which is machinery present in all human cells to repair G-to-A mutations, modulate protein, and enable protective mutation functions. Axiomer could potentially yield a new class of innovative medicines and treat currently untreatable diseases.

Our Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control (CMC) Department is currently looking for an Associate Researcher, (Full-time) to join our team in Leiden. We are looking for candidates with a passion for analytical and formulation work. This role would suit a recent graduate with a background in analytical chemistry or related disciplines. The CMC department has a central role within the ProQR Therapeutics organization. The CMC Department develops, manufactures, and characterizes oligonucleotides and therapeutic formulations for research, clinical development, and commercialization.

Location: Leiden, NL (on-site).

Responsibilities

The Associate Researcher will execute in-house lab activities in both the Drug Product and the Analytical teams, which are part of the CMC department. The successful candidate will work closely with other researchers/scientists in an interdisciplinary team environment to help with all activities related to formulation and analytical testing, in support of oligonucleotide manufacturing:

• Preparation of simple and complex formulations to provide the research material

• Execution of analytical tests (Bacterial endotoxin, pH, Osmolality, UV spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, DLS, bacterial endotoxin)
• Perform proper documentation and accurate record-keeping of experimental data
• Support preparation of technical protocols and reports
• Support the preparation, or revision, of standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Support general lab activities such as equipment maintenance and inventory management

Profile

We expect our Associate Researcher to have:

• Bachelor’s degree in analytical chemistry (HLO/ HBO), organic chemistry, biochemistry, biopharmaceutical sciences or related scientific discipline with 0-2 years experience.

• Strong laboratory skills and a high degree of attention to detail.
• Good understanding of formulations, and hands-on experience in preparation of material for in vitro and in vivo experiments.
• Good understanding of, and hands-on experience with, analytical techniques such as UPLC or HPLC, mass spectrometry, pH, bacterial endotoxin, osmolality, DLS and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
• Proficient in spoken and written English.
• A responsible person with a proactive attitude who can work independently.
• Being flexible, analytical, and well-organized.
• A team player.

Preferred:

• Experience with Waters HPLC software is preferred.
• Experience with GMP
• Should enjoy challenging situations and have the flexibility to work in a dynamic and fast-moving environment where there is the freedom to act.

Offer

As an employer, we are a true believer of the value of a workforce in which people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to develop themselves, personally and professionally. We believe that happy and energized people, working well together in an environment in which they thrive, will do phenomenal and awesome things.

We are committed to ensure that no employee, candidate, or job applicant receives less favorable treatment on the grounds of race, age, disability, pregnancy, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status. At ProQR we want to create an inclusive culture where everyone can be valued for who they are and in which individual differences and the contributions in all forms are recognized and valued.

We offer an exciting and innovative working environment in a very committed organization, with the following benefits:

• 8% holiday allowance
• 30 vacation days
• An annual performance bonus
• Stock options
• A premium-free pension plan
• A commuting allowance
• A subsidized staff restaurant
• Unlimited (un)healthy snacks and drinks
• Employee events (boot camp, Rebel Café and other social events)

Other information

Do you think you can contribute to achieving our mission? If so, we’re looking forward to receiving your application by filling out our application form.

You can contact us via recruitment@proqr.com if you have any questions.

Thomas Ardern-Mulhern
Recruitment Assistant
recruitment@proqr.com