Job Opening: Scientist for Colorectal Cancer Metastasis Prevention Program
The group of Prof. Andreas Moor at D-BSSE, ETH Zurich, located in Basel, is seeking an exceptional, entrepreneurially minded scientist to drive a colorectal cancer metastasis-prevention antibody/nanobody program from discovery toward the clinic. The selected candidate is expected to start immediately or by arrangement.
Your Path: From Fellowship to Founding
In this role, over the course of 12 months, you will propel the antibody program toward investor-grade data while strengthening the intellectual property (IP) estate, working hands-on with our translational network. The right candidate will have the opportunity to grow into a founding and scientific leadership role as the venture takes shape.
Key Responsibilities
- Experimentation: Design and execute studies to develop and characterize novel antibodies and nanobodies.
- Optimization: Apply molecular biology and protein engineering techniques to enhance binders for affinity, specificity, and stability.
- Assay Development: Create and validate cell-based or organoid assays to assess therapeutic potential and define the therapeutic window.
- Translational Ownership: Contribute hands-on to technology transfer, intellectual property matters (including invention disclosures and FTO literature reviews), and the evolution of the therapeutic pipeline. This involves preparing materials for and participating in tech-transfer, partner, and investor discussions.
- Team Management: Supervise and mentor a research technician, taking responsibility for a small team's output.
Candidate Profile
We welcome candidates with a MSc or PhD in biotechnology, molecular biology, protein science, or related fields who are eager to apply their expertise to high-impact challenges. Prior experience in protein engineering, display technologies (phage, yeast, or ribosome display), or cell-based assays is advantageous.
- MSc or PhD in a relevant field, with a proven hands-on track record in relevant workflows.
- Technical expertise in protein engineering and purification; display assays (phage, yeast, or ribosome); ELISA and BLI; flow cytometry; cell sorting; fluorescence microscopy; and mammalian cell culture.
- Creativity and "out-of-the-box" thinking; ability to operate under pressure and adhere to timelines and budgets.
- Regulatory and drug development exposure, along with animal experimentation experience, are a plus.
This Role is Tailored For Scientists Who
- Are passionate about antibody/nanobody therapeutics and aspire to transform research into tangible clinical solutions.
- Are energized by ownership and the challenge of driving projects forward amidst real-world uncertainty.
- Value an environment where scientific inquiry merges with strategic development (IP, spinoffs, and commercialization) and desire hands-on exposure to it.
Additional Benefits
- A concrete founding path in a program already on the spinoff track, with the explicit opportunity to assume a founding scientific leadership role.
- Hands-on exposure to IP development, tech transfer, patent strategy, and venture formation, learning company-building from within a live program alongside our established network.
- A pioneering translational research team with a clear path from discovery to drug development and an interdisciplinary environment alongside academic and industry experts.
- Genuine ownership of a program with both translational and commercial potential.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
If you have questions about the position (no applications), please contact Prof. Andreas Moor at andreas.moor@bsse.ethz.ch.