The Laboratory for Biological Engineering (Prof. Randall J Platt) of the ETH Zurich in Basel, Switzerland develops genome engineering technologies and applies them to a range of fundamental and disease-focused areas. To advance these efforts, the Platt group is recruiting a part- (at least 60%) or full-time (100%) research technician to support ongoing experimental efforts.
Project backgroundWe are looking for a research technician to work with scientists in the laboratory on their ongoing projects related to molecular technology development, CRISPR technologies, pooled screening, viral vectors, and mouse models.
Job descriptionWe are looking for a highly organized research technician to join a multidisciplinary team of researchers. The candidate will work closely with laboratory members to aid in planning and running experiments.
Research technican duties primarily include:
- molecular cloning (PCR, classic restriction enzyme cloning, Golden-Gate Assembly and Gibson assembly)
- preparation of plasmid DNA from E. coli
- maintenance and transfection of standard mammalian cell lines
- flow cytometry
- production and purification of lentivirus and adeno-associated virus
- titration of these respective viruses by functional titration, qPCR or droplet digital PCR
- preparation of DNA libraries for high-throughput sequencing
- other common tasks of molecular and cellular biology
Research technician duties may also involve mouse models, including husbandry, injections, tissue dissection, and cell or nuclei isolation.
ProfileThe ideal candidate will have at least completed the apprenticeship for a biology laboratory techician OR a Master's degree or equivalent in Molecular Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, Structural Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, or a related field.
The candidate must be able to communicate effectively in a highly interdisciplinary and international environment, which includes a mastery of oral and written English. The candidate will be passionate about science, technology, collaboration, and communication. The candidate must have a strong motivation and interest in collaboration with multi-disciplinary scientists.
Extensive prior experience with contemporary methods in molecular and cellular biology, including the duties listed above, is essential. Mastery of Excel, Powerpoint, and at least one cloning (e.g., Geneious) and plotting (e.g., Prism) software is essential. Prior experience with illustration software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, BioRender) is not essential but a major plus. Prior experience with mouse models is not essential but a major plus.
We offerThe position is located in the
Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) of the
ETH Zurich in
Basel, Switzerland. The D-BSSE is a highly interdisciplinary department - specializing in systems and synthetic biology, bioinformatics and data science, and engineering sciences related to microfluidics and microfabrication. The D-BSSE is centrally located within a biomedical research hub with close links to top academic institutions (e.g., Friedrich Miescher Institute (FMI), Biozentrum and University of Basel) as well as major biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies (e.g., Novartis, Roche, Bayer, and Lonza). The ETH Zurich is a global leader in science and technology and consistently ranks as one of the top universities in the world. Basel, Switzerland is an international city on the border with France and Germany - nested between the Swiss alps, black forest, and cheese and wine country. The city provides easy access to arts and culture, nature and adventure, and short commutes via train/plain/automobile to anywhere in Europe.
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