Postdoc: AAV Capsid Engineering with Generative AI
100%, Basel, Fixed-term
The highly competitive Bio-Engineering Systems for Therapeutics (BEST) postdoc program, part of the Next-gen Bioengineers initiative, is jointly run by ETH Zurich and Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED). This program focuses on developing innovative tools and methods to tackle challenges in medicine and therapeutic development.
Project Background
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are the leading platform for gene therapy, yet their clinical potential is often limited by sub-optimal tissue tropism, pre-existing human immunity, and low manufacturing yields. This project aims to utilize cutting-edge generative models in protein design to enhance AAV manufacturing properties.
Job Description
- Generative Modeling: Develop and implement state-of-the-art computational workflows for designing novel AAV capsids.
- Dry-to-Wet: Lead the computational design process and actively participate in the wet lab validation of your designs (e.g., library construction, viral production, NGS-based screening).
- Structural Analysis: Utilize computational structural biology tools to ensure designs maintain assembly competence and structural integrity.
- Data Integration: Process and analyze high-throughput experimental data to iteratively refine generative models.
- Collaboration: Work at both Roche pRED and ETH Zurich D-BSSE (both located in Basel) to translate AI-driven designs into improved AAV vectors.
Profile
- PhD degree or equivalent in computational biology, bioinformatics, bio-ML, or a related quantitative field (required).
- Hybrid Mindset: A deep interest in applying computational biology to solve translational challenges; AAV experience is welcome but not necessary.
- Generative AI: Hands-on experience with modern generative models for proteins (required).
- Interdisciplinary Drive: Highly motivated to work at the intersection of wet and dry lab work, with a willingness to be trained in experimental validation techniques.
- Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, with the ability to bridge the gap between machine learning concepts and experimental molecular biology.
Workplace
The position will be based in Basel, at the renowned facilities of ETH Zurich and Roche, providing a stimulating environment for scientific inquiry and collaboration.
We Offer
- End-to-End Research Ownership: The unique opportunity to manage the entire process from in silico design to experimental validation.
- Innovation: An exciting and highly collaborative research environment bridging academia (ETH) and industry (Roche).
- Mentorship: Dual supervision by principal investigators from ETH Zurich and Roche.
- Infrastructure: Full access to world-class facilities at both Roche and ETH Zurich campuses in Basel.
- Development: A fully funded 2-year fellowship that includes dedicated support for networking and career development.
We Value Diversity and Sustainability
ETH Zurich is committed to cultivating an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Sustainability is integral to our mission, and we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So Are We.
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
For any inquiries about the position, please contact both Prof. Dr. Basile Wicky (basile.wicky@bsse.ethz.ch) and Dr. Denis Phichith (denis.phichith@roche.com).
About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing 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 inspiring environment for excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe yet connected to the world, we collaborate to address the global challenges of today and tomorrow.