Molecular Biology Research Assistant, Translational Research 100%

Ref.: IOB 152

The Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) is seeking a highly motivated Molecular Biology Research Assistant to join the Translational Group. 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 bilities challenged, and your knowledge expanded.
The main goal of the Translational Group is to develop and bring new classes of therapies to the clinic. We specifically focus on gene therapy and base editing technologies to provide treatments for genetic vision loss. Our activities include developing gene editing assays, performing proof-of-concept studies in cells, organoids, retinal explants and animal models, optimizing lead candidate therapeutic agents, perform safety and biodistribution studies, characterize and recruit patients for the clinical trials, develop clinical outcome measures and prepare for regulatory authorization.
You will be participating in cutting-edge research and interact with people with different expertise!

Your position

• Construct gene therapy vectors by molecular cloning;
• Evaluate gene therapy efficiency using various molecular biology techniques, including PCR, qPCR, sequencing, Western-blot, immunohistochemistry;
• Perform cell-culture and cell-based assays;
• Establish new techniques and protocols;
• Support of PhD candidates and postdocs in their research activities in the Translation Group;
• General administrative support and maintenance of the lab;
• Mouse work experience; managing transgenic animals, injections, tissue sampling and processing
• Participate in the development and translation of cutting edge gene therapeutic methods.

Your profile

• Biologielaborant/in (or equivalent education) or Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology or related field;
• Strong background in molecular biology, at least 3 years experience with basic molecular lab work (DNA, RNA purification, PCR, cloning etc.);
• LTK module 1, FELASA or equivalent certification.
• Independence in the planning, conducting, analysis and troubleshooting of standard molecular biology experiments;
• The candidate should be highly organized, precise, detail-oriented and computer skilled;
• Good written and verbal communications skills;
• Fluency in oral and written English.

We offer you

• Competitive salary among the academic world.
• Five weeks of vacation for all employees, with increasing amount of vacation days by age.
• Paid Maternity-leave up to 16 weeks plus the opportunity to extend it through unpaid leave.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development, including training and education support.
• Family Friendly: we offer childcare subsidy, a family room.
• The chance to be part of a groundbreaking research institute making a real impact in the field of medical science.
• Additional discounts and benefits: e.g. cafeteria, access to the Uni Sport offerings at university Basel, and more.