Ariya Bio is an early ETH Zurich spinoff developing gene-editing cell therapies to treat hereditary blood diseases. As part of our collaboration with Prof. Corn’s Lab of Genome Biology at ETH Zurich, and newly secured Innosuisse funding, we are seeking a Research Assistant with expertise in Cellular and Molecular Biology to join the Ariya Bio team in Schlieren.

You will be responsible for testing, optimizing, and comparing gene-editing reagents of CRISPR/Cas tools in human cell lines and primary cells. Furthermore, the research assistant will work together with a small team of other technicians and scientists in a collaborative manner. The projects will be pre-clinical in nature, and the applicant’s work will directly impact potential therapies for multiple genetic disorders.

Ariya Bio is currently part of ETH Zürich. Ariya Bio is not yet an incorporated company and therefore this position will be hired and employed by ETH Zurich. We are located in the ETH Innovation & Entrepreneurship Lab in Schlieren. Our overarching goal is to establish a safe and effective cell therapy for the treatment of haemoglobin diseases. We work in a fast-moving field, surrounded by other ETH spinoffs, ensuring a thrilling environment. The Research Assistant position is initially for 12 months and extendable based on progress and evaluation of performance and securement of further funding by the startup.

In this position, you are responsible for mammalian cell culture (cell lines and primary cells). In addition you will, carry out cell editing and editing analysis. Molecular biology, such as PCR, qPCR, ChIP, NGS library preparation and reparation and validation of diverse CRISPR/Cas reagents will be another duty of your job.  You will assist with general lab duties (e.g. organisation tasks).

• You will be very well organised and able to work efficiently and with precision in a fast-paced environment.
• Furthermore, you are proactive and can work independently but also as part of a small group.
• In addition, you can use computer software to manage, analyse, and share information.
• Advanced knowledge of English is essential, as this is the working language of the team.

Required skills:

• Molecular Biology or similar discipline qualification (e.g. B.Sc. degree or equivalent) with at least 3 years of professional experience in industry or academia.
• Expertise with standard molecular biology techniques
• Mammalian cell culture experience

Preferred skills:

• Experience with applying CRISPR/Cas or other genome engineering tools

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

This position is located at the ETH Innovation & Entrepreneurship Lab, where many ETH spin-offs are located. This is a unique opportunity to work and experience the interface of academia and industry as we work to translate fundamental research into the market.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• CV (include a complete list of publications and references we can contact)
• Motivation Letter
• Certificates with transcripts

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. 

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Mandy Boontanrart by email at mandy.boontanrart@biol.ethz.ch (no applications).

Further information about the Ariya Bio startup venture can be found in this article.