Postdoctoral Researcher in Primary T-Cell Engineering / Postdoctoral Researcheress in Primary T-Cell Engineering

Postdoctoral Researcher in Primary T-Cell Engineering

100%, Basel, fixed-term

The Khammash Lab at ETH Zurich is seeking a motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher to join our interdisciplinary team working at the interface of synthetic biology, control engineering, and immunoengineering. This position is part of our newly funded ERC Advanced Grant, which aims to develop genetically engineered feedback control circuits in human T cells to tackle challenging diseases. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with engineers and biologists to design, clone, and test synthetic circuits in primary human T cells, and help translate these circuits into functional cellular therapies.

Job Description

Key responsibilities include:

• Engineering, transducing, and characterizing primary T cells with synthetic genetic circuits.
• Optimizing and executing protocols for retroviral or lentiviral transduction, cell culture, and immune functional assays.
• Supporting the development of in vivo models, such as adoptive T-cell transfer in mice, for preclinical testing of engineered circuits where relevant.
• Collaborating closely with molecular biologists, computational modelers, and clinical and preclinical research partners.
• Documenting results clearly and contributing to publications and presentations.
• Providing technical support and troubleshooting in T cell culture, molecular cloning, and viral production workflows.

Profile

• PhD in bioengineering or a related area.
• Strong practical background in primary T-cell isolation, culture, transduction (retroviral/lentiviral), and flow cytometry.
• Hands-on experience with viral vector production (e.g., lentivirus, retrovirus) and/or non-viral gene delivery tools such as PiggyBac or Sleeping Beauty is highly desirable.
• Experience with murine models, especially adoptive cell therapy, is a strong asset but not mandatory.
• Experience with engineering allogeneic T cell products is a strong plus.
• Excellent laboratory and organizational skills; ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Good communication skills in English.

In addition to technical skills, the candidate is expected to possess social and leadership competencies necessary for fostering a positive work culture. This includes acting responsibly, nurturing well-being, driving innovation, promoting inclusivity, building bridges, and enabling people.

Workplace

The successful candidate will join a stimulating, supportive, and international research environment at ETH Zurich, contributing to cutting-edge research at the intersection of control engineering, synthetic biology, and medicine. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and work with world-class collaborators.

We Offer

• A stimulating, supportive, and international research environment at ETH Zurich.
• The opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the interface of control engineering, synthetic biology, and medicine.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and world-class collaborators.
• Your job with impact: Join ETH Zurich, which actively contributes to positive change in society.
• Commitment to a sustainable and climate-neutral university.
• Numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets, car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So Are We.

We invite you to apply online using the form below. Please include the following documents:

• CV including a publication record.
• Brief statement of motivation.
• Names and contact information for three references.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

For further information about the department, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Mustafa Khammash at mustafa.khammash@bsse.ethz.ch (please do not send applications to this email).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries find our university a place that promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections worldwide, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.