The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the leading life sciences institutes in the world. It consists of 30 groups and 500 employees that research how molecules and cells create life, spanning the scale from atom to organism. Founded in 1971, the Biozentrum has been the birth place of many fundamental discoveries in biology and medicine, spawning several Nobel Laureates.
A postdoctoral position is available in the group of Prof. Marek Basler (www.biozentrum.unibas.ch/basler).
This position is supported by the FreeNovation grant (funded by the Novartis Research Foundation) for the project: “Home delivery: Bacterial sRNA mediated treatment of intestinal bowel disease“.
In this position, the candidate will focus on the development and testing of a commensal bacterium capable of secreting various sRNAs in extracellular vesicles with the goal to modulate immune response of gut epithelial cells.
Your position
- Detect sRNAs in extracellular vesicles (EV) of various gut commensals and pathogens
- Generate a library of sRNAs with potential immunosuppressive effects
- Engineer a commensal strain for targeting specific sRNAs for secretion in EVs
- Validate the ability of EVs to deliver sRNAs to gut epithelial cells
- Screen sRNA containing EVs in an in vitro human gut epithelial transwell model
- Analyze data using appropriate statistical methods
- Present data in a professional format suitable for publication
- Act as an experienced resource, and demonstrate clear and professional verbal and written communication skills
Your profile
You obtained a PhD in microbiology or cellular/molecular biology. You have a profound expertise in models of diseases, immune response during host-pathogen interaction, RNA sequencing, and genetic manipulation of bacteria. Previous experience with bacterial secretion, gut epithelial cells, and RNA-based methods for manipulation of host-cell expression are of advantage.
We offer you
A highly motivated team as part of a multidisciplinary group at the Biozentrum including microbiologists and cell biologists. Moreover, the Biozentrum offers excellent internal support from various core facilities with expert staff as well as a very strong multidisciplinary collaborative environment. Basel is an international city with people from 150 nations. Located on the border between Switzerland, Germany and France, it is Europe’s most important Life Science hub. Basel provides a high standard of living and a rich and varied cultural atmosphere.
The position is available from January 2022 and the funding period is one year.Application / Contact
Please apply online, and upload the following three separate PDF documents:
1. Your CV with contacts for three references
2. Motivation letter explaining why you are a good candidate for this job offer
3. List of all your publications. For up to three publications most relevant to this job offer describe shortly (up to 200 words) your role as well as why the publication is relevant (for example: what techniques you learned, what experience you gained, etc.).
Incomplete applications will be disregarded. Reviewing of applications will begin in November 2021 and continue until the position is filled.
For any informal enquiries, please contact: basler-recruitment@unibas.ch