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 recruiting a full-time (100%) Postoctoral Associate to develop and apply in vivo single-cell CRISPR screening methods.

Single-cell CRISPR screening methods such as Perturb-seq, CROP-seq, and ECCITE-seq are revolutionising our capacity to investigate gene function in high throughput and at high resolution. We recently developed an AAV-based method for direct in vivo single-cell CRISPR screening (Santinha, Nature, 2023) and are continuing to improve and apply this method to generate in vivo cell type perturbation atlases, interrogate disease mechanisms, and identify therapeutic drug targets.

We are looking for a highly motivated and collaborative researcher to join us in advancing these efforts. The candidate will work as part of a multidisciplinary team and be passionate about science, technology, collaboration, and communication.

The ideal candidate should have a PhD degree in Biological Engineering, Molecular Biotechnology, Molecular Medicine, (Quantitative) Biology or a related field. The successful candidate will have experience across several of the following areas:

• cloning, molecular biology techniques and synthetic biology
• virus production and/or evolution and delivery (AAV, LV)
• in vivo interrogation of mouse models, including histological techniques, imaging and quantification
• primary cell isolation, cell culture, and flow cytometry
• preparation of deep sequencing libraries for functional genomics experiments
• bioinformatics, statistics, and programming

The candidate must have a strong motivation and interest in collaboration with multidisciplinary scientists. They must be able to communicate effectively in a highly interdisciplinary and international environment, which includes a mastery of oral and written English as well as scientific illustration.

The position is located in the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE) of the ETH Zurich in Basel, Switzerland. The D-BSSE is a highly interdisciplinary department – specializing in biological engineering, 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). The ETH Zurich is a global leader in science and technology and consistently ranks as one of the top universities in the world. 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.

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 our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

We look forward to receiving your application including, as a single PDF: 

1. cover letter that mentions your scientific interests and why you are interested in the group
2. CV
3. diplomas and course transcripts
4. contact details of two referees

Please submit your applications online. Applications via email will not be considered.

Further information can be found on our website. For questions about the position, please contact Prof. Platt (rplatt@ethz.ch) (no applications).

Important dates

• Application submission deadline: 25th July 2024.
• Zoom interview: 12/13th August 2024 2024 (invitations sent by 26th July).
• In-person interview: 26/27th August 2024 (invitations sent by 13th August).
• Applicant informed of decision: 3rd September 2024.
• Latest start date: 1st November 2024.

Please ensure you are available on the scheduled interview dates and confirm your earliest possible starting date in your application.

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.