Research Associate - Mitochondrial Therapy Translational (100%)

The Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Research Associate to join the Mitochondrial Biology and Therapy Group led by Dr. Temurkhan Ayupov.

IOB combines basic and clinical research to advance the understanding of vision and its diseases and to develop new therapies for vision loss. We offer an environment where your expertise will be valued, your abilities challenged, and your scientific knowledge expanded.

The Mitochondrial Biology and Therapy Group investigates how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to neurodegeneration and develops therapeutic strategies for these diseases. A major focus is the development of cell-type-targeted mitochondrial transfer therapies.

To accelerate this work, we are establishing genome-wide CRISPR screening as a discovery platform to identify genes and pathways that govern donor mitochondria internalization and integration.

In this role you will design, execute, and analyze pooled CRISPR knockout, activation, and interference screens to uncover novel therapeutic targets and contribute to the group's translational programs.

Your responsibilities

Design and execute genome-wide CRISPR knockout, CRISPRa, and CRISPRi screens in mammalian cell models

Validate screening hits using arrayed CRISPR experiments and orthogonal functional assays in relevant disease models

Establish, optimize, and routinely perform cell-line generation workflows using mitochondrial transfer in immortalized and primary cells

Generate and analyze NGS and RNA-seq data from primary tissues and cultured cells

Develop and optimize cell-type-targeted mitochondrial transfer approaches in relevant in vitro and ex vivo models

Independently design, perform, document, and interpret experiments in a rigorous and reproducible manner

Work closely with technical staff and help supervise research assistants while remaining experimentally active

Contribute experimentally to translational documentation, regulatory preparation, and clinical protocol development

Present experimental results internally, to collaborators, and at international conferences

Mentor junior lab members through direct experimental guidance and training

Requirements

PhD in biology, cell biology, molecular medicine, or a related field

Strong hands-on experience with CRISPR-based screening and NGS analysis

Solid background in cell culture, molecular biology, and in vitro functional assays

Experience with recombinant protein production

Experience with RNA sequencing is desirable

Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage large-scale, multi-step experiments

Experience working under BSL-2 conditions

Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to experimental detail

Clear scientific communication skills and a collaborative working style

We offer

Scientific Excellence & Impact – Join a highly motivated research institute at the forefront of vision research, supported by state-of-the-art facilities in an international, cutting-edge research environment in Basel

An Environment Built for Performance – We create conditions that enable you to do your best work: A commitment to supporting long-term excellence and family-friendly policies

Practical Support & Accessibility – Convenient Basel location with excellent public transport, subsidized meals, childcare support, and access to university sports facilities (Unisport)

A Culture of Mutual Trust – We seek colleagues who bring motivation, innovation, and dedication; in return, we provide the resources, flexibility, and environment where exceptional work thrives

Application / Contact

To apply, please submit your application through our recruiting platform. For more information, visit www.iob.ch. If you have questions after applying, you can contact us by simply replying to the confirmation email you will receive.

Please note that we only accept applications via the recruiting portal.