Postdoc: AAV Capsid Engineering with Generative AI
100%, Basel, Fixed-term
The highly competitive Bio-Engineering Systems for Therapeutics (BEST) postdoc program, part of the Next-gen Bioengineers initiative, is run jointly by ETH Zurich and Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED). This program focuses on developing innovative tools and methods to tackle challenges in medicine and therapeutic development.
Project Background
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are the leading platform for gene therapy, yet their clinical potential is often hindered by sub-optimal tissue tropism, pre-existing human immunity, and low manufacturing yields. This project aims to harness cutting-edge generative models in protein design to enhance AAV manufacturing properties.
Job Description
- Generative Modeling: Develop and implement state-of-the-art computational workflows to design novel AAV capsids.
- Dry-to-Wet: Lead the computational design process and actively participate in wet lab validation of your designs (e.g., library construction, viral production, NGS-based screening).
- Structural Analysis: Utilize computational structural biology tools to ensure designs maintain assembly competence and structural integrity.
- Data Integration: Process and analyze high-throughput experimental data to iteratively refine generative models.
- Collaboration: Work collaboratively at both Roche pRED and ETH Zurich D-BSSE (both located in Basel) to translate AI-driven designs into improved AAV vectors.
Profile
- Education: PhD degree or equivalent in computational biology, bioinformatics, bio-ML, or a related quantitative field (required).
- Hybrid Mindset: A keen interest in applying computational biology to solve translational challenges; AAV experience is welcome but not necessary.
- Generative AI: Hands-on experience with modern generative models for proteins (required).
- Interdisciplinary Drive: High motivation to work at the intersection of wet and dry lab work, with a willingness to be trained in experimental validation techniques.
- Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, with the capacity to bridge the gap between machine learning concepts and experimental molecular biology.
Workplace
You will have access to a vibrant and collaborative work environment located at both Roche and ETH Zurich campuses in Basel, fostering innovative research and collaboration between academia and industry.
We Offer
- End-to-End Research Ownership: A unique opportunity to oversee the entire process, from in silico design to experimental validation.
- Innovation: An exciting and collaborative research atmosphere between academia (ETH) and industry (Roche).
- Mentorship: Dual supervision by distinguished principal investigators from ETH Zurich and Roche.
- Infrastructure: Full access to world-class facilities at both Roche and ETH Zurich campuses in Basel.
- Development: A fully funded 2-year fellowship including dedicated support for networking and career development.
We Value Diversity and Sustainability
In alignment with our core values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a respectful working and learning environment for all staff and students. Sustainability is also a central principle for us—we consistently strive towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So Are We!
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents as a single PDF:
- A letter of motivation (max 1 page).
- CV (max 2 pages).
- Full list of publications.
- 3 letters of recommendation.
- Brief statement of research interests (max 1 page).
- Copy of your original doctoral degree certificate if already obtained.
Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Apply online using the form below. Questions should be directed to both Prof. Dr. Basile Wicky (basile.wicky@bsse.ethz.ch) and Dr. Denis Phichith (denis.phichith@roche.com).
About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our exceptional education, groundbreaking fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe while fostering global connections, we collaborate to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's global challenges.