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.

Your position

• 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

Your profile

• 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

We offer you