Molecular Cell Biology Research Assistant / Associate - Maternity Cover (100%)

Molecular Cell Biology Research Assistant / Associate, maternity cover (100%) - Ref.: IOB168

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). 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.

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.

• 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

• 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

• Scientific Excellence & Impact– Join a highly motivated research instituteat the forefront of vision research, supported by state-of-the-art facilities in an international, cutting-edge research environment in Basel
• An Environment Built for Performance– We create conditions that enable you to do your best work: A commitment to supporting long-term excellence and family-friendly policies
• Practical Support & Accessibility– Convenient Basel location with excellent public transport,subsidized meals, childcare support, and access to university sports facilities (Unisport)
• A Culture of MutualTrust– We seek colleagues who bring motivation, innovation, and dedication; in return, we provide the resources, flexibility, and environment where exceptional work thrives

Application

Interested candidates should submit their applications online via the recruitment platform. Please include a motivation letter and your Curriculum Vitae. For further information, please visit our website www.iob.ch .