Postdoc Position: Animal Models for Cell-Based Therapies in Zürich

The Control Theory and Systems Biology (CTSB) lab, led by Prof. Mustafa Khammash, operates at the intersection of systems biology, synthetic biology, and control theory. Our interdisciplinary team consisting of biologists, engineers, and mathematical scientists specializes in developing genetic circuits for controlling cellular processes. By integrating synthetic biology with control theory, we devise innovative cell-based therapies, particularly for disorders of the immune system. To advance these efforts, we are looking for a full-time PostDoc with hands-on experience in mouse experiments and proficiency in related molecular and cellular biology techniques.

The Department of Biosystems Science & Engineering (D-BSSE) is part of ETH Zurich, one of the world's leading universities in science and technology. Located in Basel, a cornerstone of the Biovalley and Europe's biotech landscape, D-BSSE excels at interdisciplinary research, bridging biology, engineering, and computational sciences to make breakthrough advances in Systems and Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology. Its modern new building on the Schällemätteli campus houses state-of-the-art facilities that provide optimal conditions for translational research involving D-BSSE, other academic departments, hospitals, and pharma.

We invite applications from enthusiastic candidates eager to be at the forefront of cell therapy and bioengineering research. The successful applicant will be instrumental in conducting mouse experiments to test novel genetic circuits, writing and maintaining animal licenses in collaboration with group members and serving as responsible for directing animal experiments (study director), and overseeing the lab’s mouse colony in collaboration with animal facility staff.

• Ph.D. or equivalent in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Molecular Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine, or a related discipline.
• At least LTKmodule 1, or FELASA category B education in laboratory animal science, and experience with mouse handling and colony management.
• The ideal candidate will have prior experience in most of the following:
  1. Mouse experiment methodologies including tumor measurement, bioluminescence imaging, and associated analyses;
  2. Tumor and primary immune cell culture, for example T cells and NK cells from humans and mice;
  3. In vitro immune cell assays, including flow cytometry and ELISA;
  4. Viral DNA construct development and lentivirus production;
  5. Analysis of tumor specimens (e.g. IHC, CyTOF)
• Demonstrable leadership qualities with strong communication skills.
• Ability to write and manage licenses, especially in the realm of animal experiments.
• Proficient in written and spoken English; German is a plus, but not essential.

• A collaborative, intellectually stimulating and multidisciplinary environment
• A multicultural, dynamic, open and supportive workplace
• Training opportunities
• Access to all BSSE facilities equipped with state of the art technologies
• Access to courses offered by ETH and the BSSE
• Five week annual vacation
• Excellent social benefits