Scientist in AAV Synthetic Biology & Gene Therapy

100%, Basel, fixed-term

The Biotechnology and Bioengineering group at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) of ETH Zurich in Basel is looking for scientists who are eager to make a difference. If you're someone who thrives on innovation and wants to be part of something new and exciting, we'd love to hear from you! We're on the lookout for talented individuals to join us in launching a new venture focused on cutting-edge research in scalable recombinant Adeno-associated virus (rAAV) manufacturing and closed-loop gene therapies for inborn metabolic disorders.

The D-BSSE is a special place where different fields of study come together in a beautiful harmony. It's the first of its kind at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, and its mission is to encourage progress in the fields of Systems Biology, Biotechnology, and Synthetic Biology. Here, groups working on theoretical biology, experimental biology, and engineering work together, sharing their passion and knowledge to make the world a better place. The D-BSSE is based in beautiful Basel, Switzerland. It's right in the heart of the Biovalley, a tri-national region that's home to 40% of the global life science industry. This includes several pharma giants, which makes it a special place for high-leverage translational research.

Project background

Our group uses state-of-the-art Synthetic Biology principles to engineer human cells and develop advanced gene and cell therapies targeting cancer, as well as metabolic, neurodegenerative, autoimmune and infectious diseases. For more information, please consult our webpage and published work.

Job description

We're working on a really exciting project together! Our goal is to take synthetic biology tools and turn them into amazing new AAV-based therapies. We're striving to make them safer, more effective, and easier to produce in large quantities. We're working hard to overcome some of the challenges we face in the gene therapy field. This includes finding ways to produce large amounts of AAV vectors, as well as creating gene therapies that can adjust to the signs of diseases and keep the levels of the therapeutic protein just right. You'll get to be a part of developing, validating, and integrating these technologies, and help shape the roadmap towards clinical translation.

Profile

We're on the lookout for exceptional scientists who are passionate about commercializing startup technologies. You're a creative and highly motivated scientist who does well in a high-power scientific environment. You're excited by the opportunity to create and implement cutting-edge technologies. In addition, you have:

A PhD in synthetic biology, bioengineering, biotechnology or a related field
A proven track and publication record in academia or industry
Experience with mammalian cell engineering, AAV vector design, production, and purification, synthetic gene circuits and inducible expression systems, high-throughput screening and advanced molecular cloning, and in vivo preclinical models
A strong entrepreneurial mindset
A collaborative, motivated and excelling attitude

Workplace

We offer

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application including:

CV
publication list
a motivation letter, highlighting your scientific background and experience relevant to the project and explaining your excitement about translational synthetic biology, AAVs, and gene therapy.
two letters of recommendation

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. For additional questions please contact Ana Palma Teixeira by mail (anapa@ethz.ch).

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

About ETH Zürich

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.