PhD position: In vivo gene editing and functional genomics to interrogate brain development and function

100%, Basel, fixed-term

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 full-time (100%) PhD Student to develop and apply in vivo functional genomic methods.

Project background

Investigating gene function using direct in vivo screening is revolutionising the way we study brain biology . We have previously developed AAV-based molecular methods for direct in vivo CRISPR screening and are continuing to develop novel tools to be able to interrogate new aspects of brain biology.

Job description

We are looking for a highly motivated and collaborative researcher to be integrated in a multidisciplinary team of scientists. The candidate will develop novel molecular methods and apply them to ask fundamental questions about brain development and function in the context of health and disease. The candidate will be passionate about science, technology, collaboration, and communication.

Your profile

The ideal candidate should have a Master’s degree or equivalent in Biology, Neurobiology, Molecular Biotechnology, Molecular Medicine, or a related field. The successful candidate will have experience across several of the following areas:

• cloning, molecular biology techniques and synthetic biology
• virus production and/or evolution and delivery (AAV, LV)
• in vivo interrogation of mouse models, including histological techniques, imaging and quantification
• primary cell isolation, cell culture, and flow cytometry
• preparation of deep sequencing libraries for functional genomics experiments
• bioinformatics, statistics, and programming

The candidate must have a strong motivation and interest in collaboration with multi-disciplinary scientists. They must be able to communicate effectively in a highly interdisciplinary and international environment, which includes a mastery of oral and written English as well as scientific illustration using Adobe Illustrator or equivalent.

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

The 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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Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your application including, as a single PDF: 

cover letter that mentions your scientific interests and why you are interested in the group

CV

diplomas and course transcripts

contact details of two referees

Please submit your applications online. Applications via email will not be considered.

Further information can be found on our website . For questions about the position, please contact Prof. Platt ([email protected]) (no applications).

Important dates

• Application submission deadline: 18th March 2024
• Zoom interview: 4/5th April 2024 (invitations sent by 22nd March)
• In-person interview: 18/19th April 2024 (invitations sent by 5th April)
• Applicant informed of decision: 26th April 2024
• Latest start date: 15th August 2024

Please ensure you are available on the scheduled interview dates and confirm your earliest possible starting date in your application.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.