Molecular Cell Biology Research Assistant/Associate

Molecular Cell Biology Research Assistant/Associate

IOB - Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel

Basel, Switzerland

The Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) seeks a highly motivated Research Assistant or research Associate to join the Retinal Organoid Platform to replace a team member on maternity leave (July 2026 – January 2027). 

The Human Organoid Platform uses human retinal organoids in combination with genome engineering to create disease models and test novel gene-therapy approaches for human blinding disorders. The Human Organoid Platform is continuously developing new methodologies to improve the culture and analysis of retinal organoids, as well as implementing new read-outs for ocular disease phenotypes in retinal organoids.

Your responsibilities

• In vitro culture of human pluripotent stem cells and retinal organoids
• Genome engineering of pluripotent stem cells by CRISPR/Cas9, and characterization of mutant iPSC and organoids
• Vector construction and molecular cloning
• Analysis of retinal organoids by various histology and microscopy techniques
• Applying and improving new methodologies to enhance organoid culture and analysis
• Involvement in figure and paper preparation
• Involvement in lab management and organization
• Close collaboration with group members and IOB groups

Requirements

• Master’s or PHD Degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology or related field
• Excellent aseptic cell culture technique
• Experience with confocal microscopy and image analysis workflows
• Independence in the planning, conductance, analysis and troubleshooting of molecular biology and cell culture experiments
• Willingness to work with lentivirus, human tissue and standard hazardous laboratory compounds
• Enthusiasm to establish and optimize new protocols and techniques
• Highly organized, detail-oriented and skilled with computers
• Good written and verbal communications skills
• Some work during weekends and public holidays
• Fluency in oral and written English