Ref.: IOB165

The Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Research Associate to join the Translation Group led by Dr. Bence György.

IOB is a research institute that combines basic and clinical research. Our mission is to drive innovations in understanding vision and its diseases, and develop new therapies for vision loss. IOB is a place where your expertise will be valued, your abilities challenged and your knowledge expanded.

Within the Translation Group, we develop and advance gene- and cell-based therapies toward clinical application. A major focus of the group is precision genome editing, including base and prime editing, for retinal and corneal diseases. The successful candidate will take a key role in establishing an corneal stem cell therapy program as part of a recently awarded ERC Consolidator Grant.

Your position

• Hands-on development of a novel stem cell therapy for corneal regeneration
• Establish, optimize, and routinely perform stem cell culture, expansion, and characterization
• Directly execute ex vivo genome editing experiments in primary stem cells using base and prime editing
• Perform functional in vitro assays to assess stem cell identity, differentiation, and regenerative potential
• Generate and analyze single-cell RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics data from primary tissues, cultured cells, and edited cells
• Independently design, perform, document, and interpret experiments in a reproducible manner
• Prepare and adapt laboratory protocols for technology transfer to a GMP facility
• Work closely with technical staff and assist in supervising research assistants, while remaining experimentally active
• Contribute experimentally to translational documentation, regulatory preparation, and clinical protocol development
• Develop and experimentally validate biomarkers for stem cell engraftment and function in human samples
• Present experimental results internally, to collaborators, and at international conferences
• Mentor junior lab members through direct experimental guidance and training

Your profile

• PhD in Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Molecular Medicine, or a related field
• Strong hands-on experience with cell-based or stem cell therapies (e.g. epithelial stem cells, CAR T cells, iPSC-derived products)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently at the bench with primary human cells
• Practical experience with CRISPR-based genome engineering; experience with base or prime editing is highly desirable
• Solid background in cell culture, molecular biology, and in vitro functional assays
• Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing and/or spatial transcriptomics workflows
• Experience working under BSL-2 conditions
• Prior exposure to GMP environments or technology transfer is an advantage but not required
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to experimental detail
• Clear scientific communication skills and a collaborative working style

We offer you

• Highly motivated and inspiring research team
• Scientific support by state-of-the-art research facilities
• Join an international and cutting-edge research institute located in Basel
• Be at the forefront of gene therapy development for retinal diseases
• IOB is an equal-opportunity employer with family-friendly work policies