Vocational training at FLI

Training as a biology lab technician at FLI – A look behind the scenes

Science begins in the laboratory – perhaps soon with you.

We train biology laboratory assistants who are curious, want to take on responsibility, and want to experience research firsthand.

The training program to become a biology lab technician at FLI is a recognized IHK (East Thuringia, Gera) training program in the dual system. It usually lasts 3.5 years, but can be shortened if your performance is very good. The basis for this is the collective agreement for trainees (TVA-L BBiG).

Dual training – theory & practice combined

You will alternate between vocational school and practical work in the laboratory. The vocational school is located at the Radebeul Vocational School Center near Dresden. At the FLI, you will work together with international scientists and technical specialists in the practical part of your training – directly involved in research.

What you will learn and do in the laboratory:

• Organization and collaboration in everyday laboratory work
• Conducting molecular biology, genetic engineering, and biochemical experiments
• Working with modern measuring and analysis equipment
• Preparation, implementation, and documentation of experiments
• Evaluation of results in the electronic laboratory notebook

You will also gain insights into:

• Cell and tissue cultures

• Handling genetic engineering material

• Animal experiments on fish and mice (according to specifications and standards, with responsibility and care) 

During the practical phases, you will work in various research groups – international, modern, science-oriented.

Training as an animal keeper in research and clinical work at the FLI – a look behind the scenes

Training as an animal care taker  at the FLI: responsibility, science, animal welfare.

You will learn about animal husbandry, breeding, and care of laboratory animals – and work where research is conducted and medical progress is made possible.

The training program to become an animal keeper specializing in research & clinical work is a dual IHK training program (East Thuringia in Gera, in cooperation with the IHK Nuremberg). It usually lasts three years, but can be shortened if your performance is very good. The training relationship is based on the collective agreement for trainees (TVA-L BBiG).

Dual structure – alternating between theory and practice

The training combines vocational school and practical work. Theoretical instruction takes place at the State Vocational School Center in Ansbach-Triesdorf near Nuremberg.

Practical experience directly in the research facility

Significant parts of the practical training take place in the FLI's animal facilities, with a focus on mouse and fish husbandry. Our trainees care for and breed laboratory animals, assist with behavioral experiments, and document breeding results and experimental data in accordance with the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act.

Animal protection and welfare are the focus

Animal keepers monitor the health of the animals, identify abnormalities, and assist veterinarians and scientists with treatments and medical procedures.

During additional internships at cooperating institutions in Jena, trainees also gain insights into the husbandry of other animal species.

IT specialist training – system integration/application development at FLI – a look behind the scenes

Research needs IT – and maybe soon you.

Whether it's networks, servers, or software: as an IT specialist at FLI, you will develop solutions, keep systems running, and become part of our digital research infrastructure.

The training program to become an IT specialist is a dual IHK training program (East Thuringia in Gera). It usually lasts three years, but can be shortened if your performance is very good. The basis for this is the collective agreement for trainees (TVA-L BBiG).

At FLI, you can choose between two specializations:

• System integration 

• Application development

While system integration focuses on hardware, networks, and systems, application development revolves around software, programming, and tools for research operations.

Dual system – practical training at the institute, theory at vocational school

The training alternates between practical training and vocational school. The theoretical part is taught at the State Vocational School Center Hermsdorf–Schleiz–Pößneck (SBSZ HSP).

You will complete the practical part entirely at FLI – in two IT areas:

1. IT infrastructure: predominantly Windows environment

2. Core Facility Life Science Computing: focus on Linux & high-performance computers in the research environment

You will work closely with system administrators, network specialists, computer scientists, and bioinformaticians – close to real technical processes.

What you will learn during your training:

· IT support, consulting, and ticket processing for employees

· Administration of servers, clients, and user environments

· Configuration of networks and programming of applications

· Procurement and tendering of hardware and software

· Training in information security and data protection (Windows/Linux/macOS)