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 drastically increase 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 by 2026. For more details, go to our job page.
We're scaling fast and are now seeking a Senior Scientist with deep immunology expertise to accelerate our R&D, support high-impact product development, and ensure operational excellence across manufacturing and QA/QC. This is a high-ownership role in a biotech scale-up environment—ideal for a scientist eager to make meaningful contributions to both the lab and business outcomes.
The ideal candidate will excel in scientific research, regulatory compliance and lab operations. Extensive immunology experience is a hard requirement.
Product development and optimisation.
Product manufacturing pipeline and delivery processes.
Scientific research, innovation and execution.
Quality Assurance & Control.
Regulatory Compliance.
Scientific team performance.
Design and execute high-precision experiments using cutting-edge data analysis tools for groundbreaking results.
Streamline lab processes with the lab manager and lab technicians for peak efficiency through continuous optimization.
Enforce strict QA/QC standards, upholding impeccable quality in all lab activities.
Maintain meticulous experiment records, ensuring unassailable data integrity.
Master regulatory compliance by staying current on ISO9001 and industry norms, and conducting regular safety audits. (Potential customers, European Pharmacopoeia and FDA)
Synthesise lab data into comprehensive reports, offering actionable insights on efficiency and performance.
Organize and provide scientific and technical updates to clients and internal stakeholders on project status.
Initiate and execute general process improvements to improve safety, lead time and efficiency.
Routinely execution of immunological, cell-based assays and analytical methods.
Supervise and lead scientists and lab technicians.
Give training on how to perform accurate MAT testing, for clients and external parties.
Living in the Netherlands near Leiden or able to relocate in the short term.
PhD or MSc in Immunology, Immuno-oncology, Immunotherapy, Cell Biology, or related discipline. (PhD strongly preferred)
At least 5+ years of industry experience (Biotech, Pharma, or CRO) in immunology-focused R&D — ideally in a scale-up or high-growth environment.
Extensive, hands-on experience in PBMC isolations, cellular assays, and analytical-based assays (ELISA, Flow Cytometry) according to regulatory standards such as ICH.
Strong track record in applied research.
Expert-level skills in data analysis software and modern quality management systems.
Demonstrated finesse in experimental execution, marked by precision and meticulous attention to detail.
Experience in working under quality standards such as GMP/GLP and ISO:9001.
Comfortable with inventory and logistics software, capable of managing resources efficiently.
Innovative with an entrepreneurial attitude, looking beyond what is possible and known.
Self-starter with teamwork skills, adept at juggling priorities to nail deadlines.
Willing to hit the road for occasional business trips.
Fluent in English; proficiency in Dutch, German, or French is a major plus.
Competitive base salary (Full-time, 40 hrs/week)
25 vacation days + national holiday
Skills Required
- PhD or MSc in Immunology, Immuno-oncology, Immunotherapy, Cell Biology, or a related discipline
- PhD qualification
- At least 5 years of industry experience in immunology-focused R&D within biotech, pharma, or CRO environments
- Extensive hands-on experience with PBMC isolation, cellular assays, and analytical assays including ELISA and Flow Cytometry
- Experience conducting applied research
- Expert-level data analysis software and modern quality management systems experience
- Experience working under GMP, GLP, and ISO 9001 quality standards
- Experience with regulatory standards such as ICH
- Experience with inventory and logistics software
- Fluent English
- Residence near Leiden in the Netherlands or ability to relocate there shortly
- Willingness to take occasional business trips
- Proficiency in Dutch, German, or French
- Entrepreneurial, self-starting, collaborative, and able to manage competing priorities
What We Do
MAT Research is a Leiden, Netherlands biotechnology company developing and supplying Monocyte Activation Test (MAT) solutions for pyrogen testing. Its rabbit-free, human-cell-based approach tests parenteral drugs for endotoxin and non-endotoxin contamination, mimics the human fever response, and supports pharmaceutical batch release, product-specific validation, and outsourced testing. The company’s mission is to improve patient safety while replacing animal-based tests and saving animal lives.
