The Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) seeks a highly motivated Research Associate. 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.

We are recruiting a Research Associate in computational ion channel and membrane-protein design (protein design, structural and synthetic biology). In this role, you will drive an end-to-end, design–build–test cycle: computationally design engineered ion channels (e.g., light-responsive membrane proteins), translate designs into expression constructs, and validate function in mammalian systems in collaboration with colleagues performing quantitative assays (with access to high-throughput electrophysiology and advanced imaging). The position combines modern structure-based and generative design approaches with hands-on experimental execution (mammalian cell culture, transfection/transduction, expression optimization, and protein/function characterization).

Your responsibilities

Own the computational and structural design cycle for ion channels and light-sensitive membrane proteins (concept → design hypotheses → in silico screening → selection of candidates for testing), in close interaction with experimental and translational collaborators.
Define clear design objectives and success criteria, and translate designs into practical construct and assay plans.
Develop and apply learned-model–assisted protein design workflows (structure prediction, inverse folding/sequence design, sequence scoring, and generative proposal methods) and integrate them with experimental feedback across iterative design cycles.
Execute a targeted experimental validation workflow (limited hands-on bench work): some routine mammalian cell culture, DNA cloning/construct handling as needed, transfection/transduction, and small-scale expression testing in HEK/CHO (or equivalent).
Coordinate and interpret functional readouts generated with the team (e.g., electrophysiology, imaging, biochemical assays), using results to iterate designs.
Communicate progress and results clearly in internal updates, written documentation, and project meetings; contribute to conference presentations and manuscripts as appropriate.
Maintain accurate records and effective day-to-day communication with your supervisor and collaborators.

Requirements

PhD (or equivalent experience) in computational biology, protein engineering, structural biology, biophysics, biochemistry, molecular/cell biology, or a closely related field.
≥3 years of post-graduate (or equivalent) experience with at least two of the following:
- computational/structure-based protein design (especially membrane proteins or ion channels),
- learned-model–assisted protein design workflows (e.g., structure prediction, inverse folding/sequence design, protein language-model–based sequence scoring, and generative sequence/structure proposal tools),
- generative or library-based design and screening strategies (incl. directed evolution),
- molecular biology for rapid design–build–test cycles (cloning, construct design, expression optimization),
- metagenomic mining/discovery pipelines and annotation,
- quantitative functional screening (microplate assays and/or electrophysiology/imaging readouts).
Strong motivation to develop and refine methods, primarily in silico, with a light but competent experimental component.
Highly organized and precise; comfortable managing multiple design iterations with rigorous documentation and version control.
Solid programming and data-analysis skills (e.g., Python) and experience working with structural biology and protein-design software/toolchains (e.g., Rosetta; structure-prediction workflows such as AlphaFold-derived or equivalent; inverse-folding/sequence-design and generative design tools; MD/analysis toolchains).
Practical competence with mammalian cell culture and sterile technique; familiarity with BSL1/BSL2 environments.
Evidence of impact in protein design (e.g., first-author work, open-source contributions, released methods, or demonstrated engineered-function outcomes).

We offer

Scientific Excellence & Impact – Join a highly motivated research institute at the forefront of vision research, supported by state-of-the-art facilities in an international, cutting-edge research environment in Basel
An Environment Built for Performance – We create conditions that enable you to do your best work: A commitment to supporting long-term excellence and family-friendly policies
Practical Support & Accessibility – Convenient Basel location with excellent public transport, subsidized meals, childcare support, and access to university sports facilities (Unisport)
A Culture of Mutual Trust – We seek colleagues who bring motivation, innovation, and dedication; in return, we provide the resources, flexibility, and environment where exceptional work thrives

Application / Contact

Interested candidates should submit their applications online via the recruitment platform. Please include a motivation letter and your Curriculum Vitae. For further information, please visit our website www.iob.ch or contact Dr. Guilherme Testa-Silva (guilherme.silva@iob.ch)

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Human Resources
Recruiting team
IOB - Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel

Research Associate, Computational Ion Channel Design, Synthetic and Structural Biology (100%)

Your responsibilities

Requirements

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