Scientist - Retinal Gene Editing & Gene Therapy, IMCB

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD graduate to join our laboratory as a Scientist. The successful candidate will develop novel gene-editing and gene-therapy approaches for inherited retinal diseases and other retinal degenerative disorders.

The candidate will develop molecular engineering platforms, including transgene engineering, viral-vector development and CRISPR-based gene editing, and establish in-vitro and in-vivo assays for therapeutic evaluation. The role will translate molecular findings into preclinical proof-of-concept studies using rodent retinal disease models and work within a multidisciplinary translational team.

Key Responsibilities

• Gene Editing & Vector Engineering: Design and optimize CRISPR-based gene-editing, transgene and viral-vector strategies for correction of disease-associated variants and restoration of retinal function. Construct and validate plasmids and AAV-based expression/editing systems.
• Molecular & In-Vitro Assays: Develop PCR, RT-qPCR, ddPCR and sequencing-based assays to assess gene editing, transgene expression and vector activity. Evaluate therapeutic candidates using mammalian cell lines, iPSCs and/or differentiated retinal cells.
• Viral-Vector Characterization: Support production and characterization of plasmid and viral-vector materials for in-vitro and preclinical studies, including vector quality, potency and expression.
• In-Vivo Retinal Disease Modelling: Design and perform rodent retinal disease studies to evaluate gene delivery, gene editing and therapeutic efficacy, including animal handling, ocular administration, tissue collection and micro-dissection.
• Preclinical Evaluation: Perform histological, immunofluorescence, molecular and imaging analyses to assess vector transduction, transgene expression, editing outcomes, biodistribution and retinal structural or functional rescue.
• Experimental Leadership: Independently plan and troubleshoot experiments, integrate molecular, cellular and in-vivo data, and present findings and recommendations to the research team and collaborators.
• Scientific Outputs & Compliance: Contribute to publications, reports, intellectual property and grant applications; maintain detailed experimental records and ensure compliance with biosafety and animal ethics requirements.

Job Requirements

• Education: PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, biomedical sciences, bioengineering, ophthalmology or a related field.
• Gene Editing & Molecular Biology: Strong hands-on experience with CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing, molecular cloning, plasmid construction and DNA assembly. Experience with base editing, prime editing or CRISPRa/CRISPRi would be advantageous.
• Viral Vectors: Experience with AAV or other viral-vector design, production and/or characterization is strongly preferred.
• Molecular Assays: Experience with PCR, RT-qPCR and/or ddPCR. Sequencing-based characterization of editing outcomes and/or NGS experience would be advantageous.
• Cell Culture: Experience with mammalian cell culture; experience with iPSCs, differentiated retinal cells or retinal organoids would be advantageous.
• In-Vivo & Ocular Research: Hands-on rodent experience, including handling, dosing and tissue collection, is desirable. Experience with retinal disease models, intravitreal/subretinal administration, OCT/fundus imaging and/or ERG would be advantageous; candidates with strong gene-editing expertise and willingness to undergo ocular-procedure training may also be considered.
• Translational Research: Experience in retinal biology, inherited retinal disease, gene-therapy development, biodistribution or preclinical therapeutic evaluation would be advantageous.
• Scientific Independence & Collaboration: Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to independently drive research while working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.