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 seeking a dynamic and driven individual to join our team as Research Assistant Molecular and Cell Biology (100%) with strong molecular biology and in vitro cell culture skills to support translational projects aimed at developing new therapies for ocular diseases

Position overview:

The Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) seeks a qualified and highly motivated Research Assistant with strong molecular biology and in vitro cell culture skills to support translational projects aimed at developing new therapies for ocular diseases. A successful candidate will work on all aspects of therapy development and testing, with the goal of advancing these innovations to the clinic. You will be responsible for developing in vitro disease models, generating stable cell lines, and conducting in vitro screening for protein binders using phage- and mRNA-display methods. 

A successful candidate will work on all aspects of therapy development and testing, with the goal of advancing these innovations to the clinic. You will be responsible for developing in vitro disease models, generating stable cell lines, and conducting in vitro screening for protein binders using phage- and mRNA-display methods.

• Develop and maintain in vitro disease models from primary cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
• Design and cloning of constructs for mammalian expression
• Participate in the development of new protocols for manufacturing of therapeutic molecules
• Assist in binder discovery campaigns and characterization of novel protein binders together with Protein Engineering Platform

• Degree (apprenticeship, BSc/MSc) in Biology, Biochemistry or similar discipline
• Proficiency in English (German is optional)
• Practical experience with cell culture (primary and immortalized cells maintenance, stable generation of organoids and stable cell lines)
• Experience in histology techniques (e.g. vibratome, cryotome)
• Knowledge of molecular cloning techniques 
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques (e.g. SDS-PAGE, ELISA, western blots, ddPCR)

Additional skills (advantageous but not required):

• Reprogramming iPSCs
• Generation of DNA libraries
• Experience with microscopy (confocal, super-resolution)
• Protein-protein interaction analysis, e.g. by ELISA, surface plasmon resonance, biolayer interferometry
• In-vitro display methods, e.g. phage, yeast or ribosome display

This position is hands-on and demands both an independent working style and an ability to interact comfortably with team members. Openness to innovative non-traditional solutions is important.

• 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.

Application / Contact

• To apply, please submit your application through our online recruitment platform. For more information, visit www.iob.ch. If you have questions after applying, you can contact us by simply replying to the confirmation email you will receive (we only accept applications via the portal not via email).

IOB - Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel
Rebecca Brütsch
Head of Human Resources