Molecular Cell Biology Research Assistant

100 %

The Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join the Human Retinal Circuits Group at IOB, led by Botond Roska.

The Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) is a research institute combining basic and clinical research. Its mission is to drive innovations in understanding vision and its diseases and develop new therapies for vision loss. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your abilities challenged, and your knowledge expanded.

The Human Retinal Circuits Group investigates the visual system across multiple model systems using an interdisciplinary approach combining physiological and molecular methods. Acquired knowledge is directly used to further our understanding of the underlying mechanism causing visual diseases, thereby paving the way for developing transformative medicines. In collaboration with the Retinal Organoid Platform, various in vitro disease models are being created using genome engineering to test novel gene-therapy approaches for human blinding disorders.

We are looking for an individual with interest and determination to contribute to developing the next generation of therapies that improve the lives of patients suffering from devastating vision-impairing diseases. Your main responsibility is to establish organoid-based disease models via gene-editing agents and maintain these under the supervision of senior research colleagues in the Human Retinal Circuits Group. You will also be involved in screening, identifying, and optimizing different treatment modalities such as AAV-based gene therapies.

Your position

• In vitro culture of human pluripotent stem cells and retinal organoids
• Genome engineering of pluripotent stem cells by CRISPR/Cas9 and characterization of mutations
• Vector construction and molecular cloning
• Analysis of retinal organoids by various histology and microscopy techniques
• Applying and improving new methodologies to enhance organoid culture and analysis
• Close collaboration with members of the Human Retinal Circuits Group and Retinal Organoid Platform.

Your profile

• Biologielaborant/in (or equivalent education) with several years of work experience or Bachelor's/Master's Degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology or related field
• Excellent aseptic cell culture technique
• Independence in the planning, conductance, analysis, and troubleshooting of standard molecular biology experiments
• Willingness to work with lentivirus, AAVs, and human tissue,
• Enthusiasm to establish and optimize new protocols and techniques
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and skilled with computers
• Good written and verbal communications skills
• Fluency in oral and written English

We offer you

• Highly competitive conditions in a dynamic and international research community in Basel
• IOB is an equal-opportunity employer with family-friendly work policies