Postdoc in development and applications of CRISPR-based living microbial diagnostics in Zürich

100%, Basel, temporary

The Laboratory for Biological Engineering (Prof. Randall J Platt) of the ETH Zurich in Basel, Switzerland develops genome engineering technologies and applies them to a range of fundamental and disease-focused areas (). To advance these efforts, the Platt group is seeking a full-time (100%) Postdoctoral Associate to develop and apply living microbial diagnostics.

The D-BSSE () is a highly interdisciplinary department – specializing in systems and synthetic biology, bioinformatics and data science, and engineering sciences related to microfluidics and microfabrication. The D-BSSE is centrally located within a biomedical research hub with close links to top academic institutions (e.g., Friedrich Miescher Institute (FMI), Biozentrum and University of Basel) as well as major biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies (e.g., Novartis, Roche, Bayer, and Lonza). Basel, Switzerland is an international city on the border with France and Germany – nested between the Swiss alps and the Black Forest. The city provides easy access to arts and culture, nature and adventure, and short commutes via train/plain/automobile to anywhere in Europe.

We are looking for a highly motivated and collaborative researcher to be integrated in a multidisciplinary team of scientists. In particular, the candidate will be part of the newly funded Botnar Research Centre for Child Health (BRCCH) Multi-Investigator Project “”. The candidate will develop novel technologies at the intersection of gene editing, synthetic biology, and microbiology as well as apply them in animal models of gut dysbiosis with the goal of developing living microbial products enabling diagnostics and the prediction of individualized (nutritional) interventions. The candidate will be passionate about science, technology, collaboration, and communication.

The ideal candidate should have a PhD or equivalent in Molecular Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biological Engineering, or a related field. The candidate must have extensive experience working with a range of methods relating to molecular biology, prokaryotic synthetic biology, bacterial strain and/or microbiome engineering, and mouse models. Prior experience with gut microbiome studies related to therapeutic development and longitudinal multi-omics investigations are a major plus. Prior experience with deep sequencing (e.g., targeted amplicon sequencing, transcriptomics, metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics), bioinformatics, statistics, and programming are also a major plus. The candidate must have a strong track record and interest in collaboration with multi-disciplinary scientists. Other required qualifications are ability to communicate effectively in a highly interdisciplinary and international environment, which includes a mastery of oral and written English.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising 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 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.