Postdoc for Synthetic Biology and Generative Biology

Laboratory of Applied Virology and Precision Medicine, led by Prof. Fabian Schmidt

Who we are:

We are impact-driven bioengineers who tackle the challenge of reproducible precision delivery of molecular cargo to any specific cell type in the human body. Revolutionary advances in genome editing and cell manipulation tools await their translation into the clinic, but current vector technologies are insufficient.

We believe it requires radically new approaches to realize the full potential of viral vector gene therapy and democratize these technologies in precision medicines. With an innovation ecosystem that fosters interdisciplinary eorts, core facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology, and generous baseline funding at the KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (KAUST) , we are ready to pursue this venture.

KAUST’s culture embraces a healthy work and life balance. The university campus is located on the Red Sea's shores, built to protect the fragile coastal ecosystem, which includes a coral reef. KAUST’s campus sets exceptional standards for residences and recreational facilities . Expats at KAUST are very well looked after, and postdoc packages include free accommodation, relocation, annual flights, and various additional incentives.

Position Description:

We are searching for outstandingly creative, curiosity-driven, and resourceful individuals to help us accomplish our mission. Led by an experimental virologist, our group utilizes the vast spectrum of virus diversity and directed evolution to probe for optimal engineering solutions in mammalian systems with the full use of synthetic tools.

Under bespoke supervision and mentoring, new team members start on defined projects but have a significant amount of freedom to explore, take chances and follow their own scientific pursuits and passions. Our endeavor requires an unprecedented level of interdisciplinary eort. Our group, therefore, is an excellent choice for multidisciplinary scientists seeking to apply and innovate forefront technologies as part of a team while building the foundation of their own research independence.

What we offer:

• Conduct cutting-edge biomedical research in a state-of-the-art environment.
• Access to supreme core facilities and research infrastructure with the possibility to receive
• training on diverse instruments by experts in their fields.
• Skill diversification, e.g. programming courses in AI/ML and data visualization.
• Proactive mentorship and career development.
• A vibrant international research environment that nurtures innovators and entrepreneurs.
• A generous compensation package, including a competitive tax-free salary.
• A healthy work-life balance in a work-play-live environment.

We are looking for an independent scientist, who is passionate about synthetic biology and generative biology, and is excited by the opportunity to be part of our mission. Applicants must be keen to initiate and foster internal and external collaborations to realize the impact of their project.

The successful applicant has the drive and endurance to accomplish daring projects and, as a relentless problem solver, iterates quickly with exceptional technical competence. The candidate will pride themselves on conducting rigorous research to the highest standards. They are well organized, can manage multiple project workflows simultaneously, and report well-curated high-quality data in a timely manner.

Your primary responsibilities include cellular/molecular screens/assays (e.g., live-cell imaging, bioluminescence assays, digital PCRs, NGS) and the translation of gained insights into the generation of novel cell lines and vector formats (e.g., synthetic genomics, protein engineering, cloning/assembly workflows, cell line development).

You will work closely with computational experts to establish innovative, high-throughput, high-fidelity screening platforms using a combination of multimodal imaging, computer vision, and lab automation platforms that govern entire workflows (e.g. ThermoFisher momentum software scheduling Hamilton liquid handlers and high-end imaging and flow cytometry). Good interpersonal skills are a must. Enthusiastic participation in the team's idea creation, literature research, data gathering, hypothesis development, prototyping, validation, and calibration is expected.

The position is fully funded and initially available for up to three years but can be renewed based on performance.

Our lab is embedded in the BESE division and part of the KAUST BioE program . Taking aim at boosting public health and disease prevention we are contributing to KAUST’s Smart Health Initiative .

KAUST is an international graduate-level research university dedicated to advancing scientific and technological education and research. KAUST addresses problems of human need, social advancement, and environmental sustainability. With a strong stand in the STEM disciplines , KAUST fosters collaborative and interdisciplinary research with an infrastructure for biotechnology entrepreneurship.

It was built as an urban vision and has already recruited world-class students, faculty, and researchers from over 100 nationalities. The result is a network of talent that enables radically dierent perspectives.

With holistic support for creative minds and unmatched per capita endowment, KAUST has quickly it has become one of the fastest-rising universities for high-quality research output, ranking as number six of the Nature Index's leading 150 young universities by article share in 2020.

For more information, see National Geographic: Episode 1 - Episode 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4