Research Assistant Position (all genders) - Innate Immunity

About BioMed X

BioMed X is an independent research institute located on the campus of the University of Heidelberg in Germany with a world-wide network of partner locations. Together with our partners, we identify big biomedical research challenges and provide creative solutions by combining global crowdsourcing with the local incubation of the world's brightest early-career research talents. Each highly diverse research team at BioMed X has access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and is continuously guided by experienced mentors from academia and industry. At BioMed X, we combine the best of two worlds - academia and industry - and enable breakthrough innovation by making biomedical research more efficient, agile, and fun.

About Translocation of Complex Macromolecules Across the Intestinal Epithelial Barrier (TMI)

The main objective of the research group TMI, headed by Dr. Kyungbo Kim, is to discover novel transport mechanisms in the human intestinal tract which could be utilized for oral-systemic delivery of diverse therapeutic modalities (e.g., peptides, oligonucleotides, and antibodies). Studies will involve isolating intestinal cells, generating intestinal organoids from human subjects, and creating an organotypic assay system of the intestine. The project's cores are to develop a ligand specific for a target cell and establish quantitative assessment methods to monitor macromolecular drug delivery across the intestinal epithelial barrier. Our final goal is to create a novel delivery platform that can be utilized to develop a new generation of oral immunotherapies to benefit patients.

The Position

We seek highly enthusiastic researchers to broaden our think tank with their intellectual power and technical excellence. The ideal candidate would have a Masters’ degree and strong background in cell molecular biology.

Required skills

• Strong hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques and genetic manipulation of cells (e.g., PCR, RNA isolation, western blotting, cloning, and gene overexpression/knockdown)
• Hands-on experience in cell culture
• Good documentation skills with close attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills in English

Additional preferred skills

• Experience with ligand identification/characterization
• Experience with microscopy techniques (e.g., confocal microscopy & live-cell imaging)
• Theoretical background in cell sorting and immune profiling (e.g., Flow cytometry)
• Experienced in working in interdisciplinary teams

What we offer

• International, diverse, and positive work atmosphere, flexible working environment
• A competitive salary
• Access to training and lecture courses in-house as well as in neighboring research institutions on the Life Science Campus in Heidelberg
• Access to a vast network in science and industry
• Job ticket, sponsored fitness contract, complimentary fresh fruit, soft drinks and chocolate, team recognition events, etc.

The position is available as of 15 August 2023 for a fixed term until 31 July 2025. The position is sponsored by Janssen.

Candidates are requested to submit

• 1-page cover letter explaining the reasons for interest in joining our team
• Curriculum Vitae outlining scientific interests, research achievements, a record of publications, future personal goals, and extra-scientific passions
• Two references

Please submit your application to the attention of Dr. Kyungbo Kim before 4 August 2023 via our online Career Space.