Postdoctoral position in Stem Cell Biology of Skeletal Muscle in Zürich

100%, Zurich, temporary

A postdoctoral fellow position is available in the Laboratory of Regenerative and Movement Biology at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST).

The primary scientific interest and direction of the lab is to study the regenerative and therapeutic potential of stem cells, with emphasis on pluripotent and skeletal muscle cells. Specifically, our group is dedicated to developing stem cell-based therapeutic approaches to treat muscle-associated diseases. To this end, we previously devised a method to reprogram mouse fibroblasts into “induced myogenic progenitor cells” by transient expression of the myogenic transcription factor MyoD in concert with three small molecules. These progenitors can propagate extensively in vitro, and repair disease-afflicted muscles in vivo upon engraftment.

The proposed position will explore means to reprogram human somatic cells directly into functional myogenic progenitors as well as maintain in vitro the stemness properties of muscle stem cells isolated directly from muscles. The work will involve extensive use of molecular biology and tissue culture techniques including: transcription factors and CRISPR-Cas9 library screens, generation of induced pluripotent stem cells carrying genetic reporters, high-throughput screening of small molecules and in vivo muscle stem cell transplantation assays.

Interested applicants should have a PhD degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or an equivalent research related field in addition to a strong background in molecular biology assays. Ideally, these will include experience with mammalian cell culture techniques, gene delivery by retro or lenti-viruses, PCR, qPCR, immunostaining, Western blot and FACS analysis. Experience in stem cell or skeletal muscle biology is preferred. Prospective candidates will be part of an international research team and expected to be highly motivated, passionate about science, and collaborative.

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