Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcher

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). The program focuses on developing new tools and methods to address 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 limited by sub-optimal tissue tropism, pre-existing human immunity, and low manufacturing yields. This project aims to develop and deploy state-of-the-art generative models in protein design to enhance AAV manufacturing properties.

Job Description

• Generative Modeling: Develop and implement cutting-edge computational workflows to design novel AAV capsids.
• Dry-to-Wet: Lead the computational design process while actively participating 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 Roche pRED and ETH Zurich D-BSSE (both located in Basel) to translate AI-driven designs into improved AAV vectors.

Profile

• PhD degree or equivalent in computational biology, bioinformatics, bio-ML, or a related quantitative field (required).
• Hybrid Mindset: Deeply interested in applying computational biology to address 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, capable of bridging the gap between ML concepts and experimental molecular biology.

Workplace

Located in Basel, you will have access to world-class facilities at both the Roche and ETH Zurich campuses, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes innovation and research excellence.

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 highly collaborative research atmosphere bridging academia and industry.
• Mentorship: Dual supervision by ETH Zurich and Roche principal investigators.
• Infrastructure: Full access to world-class facilities at Roche and ETH Zurich campuses.
• Development: A fully funded 2-year fellowship, including dedicated support for networking and career development.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

Aligned with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity, valuing diversity, and nurturing an environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Sustainability is core to our ethos, and we continually strive for a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to engaging with you. Apply online using the form below.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For inquiries, please reach out 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. Renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and the direct transfer of new knowledge into society, ETH attracts over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, fostering an environment that inspires excellence and independent thinking. Located in the heart of Europe and forging global connections, we collaborate to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's challenges.