Research Technician / Research Technicianess

Join Our Team at the Laboratory for Biological Engineering

The Laboratory for Biological Engineering, led by Prof. Randall J. Platt at ETH Zurich in Basel, Switzerland, is at the forefront of developing genome engineering technologies. Our work spans a variety of fundamental and disease-focused areas. To further our research efforts, we are seeking a part-time (at least 60%) or full-time (100%) research technician to support ongoing experimental projects.

Position Overview

We are looking for a highly organized research technician to collaborate with our multidisciplinary team of scientists on various projects related to:

• Molecular technology development
• CRISPR technologies
• Pooled screening
• Viral vectors
• Mouse models

Key Responsibilities

The primary duties of the research technician will include:

• Molecular cloning techniques (PCR, classical restriction enzyme cloning, Golden-Gate Assembly, and Gibson assembly)
• Preparation of plasmid DNA from E. coli
• Maintenance and transfection of standard mammalian cell lines
• Flow cytometry
• Production and purification of lentivirus and adeno-associated virus
• Titration of viruses using functional titration, qPCR, or droplet digital PCR
• Preparation of DNA libraries for high-throughput sequencing
• Additional tasks related to molecular and cellular biology

Responsibilities may also include working with mouse models, comprising husbandry, injections, tissue dissection, and cell or nuclei isolation.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess:

• A completed apprenticeship as a biology laboratory technician OR a Master’s degree or equivalent in Molecular Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, Structural Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, or a related field.
• Effective communication skills in a highly interdisciplinary and international environment, with mastery of oral and written English.
• A passion for science, technology, collaboration, and communication.
• Strong motivation and interest in working with multidisciplinary scientists.

Extensive prior experience with contemporary methods in molecular and cellular biology, including the tasks outlined above, is essential. Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and at least one cloning software (e.g., Geneious) and plotting software (e.g., Prism) is required. Experience with illustration software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, BioRender) and familiarity with mouse models are both advantageous but not mandatory.

About Us

This position is based in the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) at ETH Zurich in Basel, Switzerland. The D-BSSE is a highly interdisciplinary department specializing in systems and synthetic biology, bioinformatics, data science, and engineering sciences related to microfluidics and microfabrication. Located within a vibrant biomedical research hub, we have close ties to leading academic institutions such as the Friedrich Miescher Institute (FMI) and the University of Basel, as well as major biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies including Novartis, Roche, Bayer, and Lonza.

ETH Zurich stands as a global leader in science and technology and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. Basel is an international city located at the crossroads of France and Germany, offering exceptional access to arts, culture, nature, and adventure, as well as easy commutes across Europe.

Application Process

Apply online using the form below. Please note that we will only consider applications that align with the job profile outlined above.

For more information about the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), please visit our website. For inquiries regarding the position, you may contact Prof. Platt at rplatt@ethz.ch (please note that no applications will be accepted via this email).