Technical Assistant EU Reference Laboratory | Technische Assistenz EU-Referenzlabor (d/m/w)

Robert Koch-Institut

Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
Published Aug 18, 2025
Part-time
Fixed-term

Job Summary

Join the Robert Koch Institute as a Technical Assistant in the EU Reference Laboratory, contributing to public health in Germany. This role involves the microbiological and molecular biological characterization of highly pathogenic bacteria (Risk Groups 2 and 3), preparing samples for international proficiency tests, and managing a quality-assured collection of bacterial strains. You will also assist with international training sessions, organize sample transports, and manage laboratory supplies. The ideal candidate will have a background as a BTA or MTA, with strong experience in handling pathogens, molecular detection methods, and quality-assured sample analysis. This is a unique opportunity to work in a leading public health institute, supporting critical research and international collaborations in a dynamic and diverse environment.

Required Skills

Education

Completed vocational training as a State-certified Biological Technical Assistant (BTA) or State-certified Medical Technical Assistant (MTA). For foreign qualifications, proof of equivalence to a German degree is required.

Experience

  • Microbiological experience in handling Risk Group 2 pathogens
  • Experience with bacteriological and molecular biological detection methods (cultivation, PCR, qPCR)
  • Experience with quality-assured sample analysis according to DIN EN ISO 15189
  • Experience with Microsoft Office programs
  • Desirable: Microbiological experience in handling Risk Group 3 pathogens
  • Desirable: Experience with antibiotic testing using minimal inhibitory concentration
  • Desirable: Experience with immunological detection methods (ELISA, Western Blot)
  • Desirable: Experience with quality-assured production of proficiency test samples according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17043
  • Desirable: Experience with conducting international trainings

Languages

German (Fluent)English (Intermediate)

Additional

  • Part-time position (29.25 hours/week, 75% of full-time). Requires regular participation in 24/7 on-call duties and ability to reach RKI within one hour. Willingness to travel and participate in international assignments, including short-notice deployments, with tropical suitability required. Willingness to work in externally ventilated full protective equipment and undergo a prior psychological suitability examination. Ability to perform work in safety laboratories (S1, S2, S3, S4, Toxin). Willingness to participate in an extended security clearance check (§ 9 Security Clearance Act (SÜG)) and its successful completion. Limited contract until June 30, 2028.