Postdoc: AAV capsid engineering with generative AI

Postdoctoral Opportunity in AAV Capsid Engineering

The Bio-Engineering Systems for Therapeutics (BEST) program, part of the Next-gen Bioengineers initiative, is a collaborative effort between ETH Zurich and Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED). This program emphasizes the creation of innovative tools and methodologies to tackle pressing medical and therapeutic challenges.

Project Background

Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) represent a leading platform for gene therapy; however, their clinical utility is often limited by issues such as sub-optimal tissue tropism, existing human immunity, and low manufacturing yields. This project aims to leverage advanced generative models in protein design to enhance AAV manufacturing capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Generative modeling: Develop and implement cutting-edge computational workflows for the design of novel AAV capsids.
• Dry-to-wet transition: Oversee the computational design processes while actively engaging in wet lab validation efforts, including library construction, viral production, and NGS-based screening.
• Structural analysis: Utilize computational structural biology tools to ensure that designs uphold assembly competence and structural integrity.
• Data integration: Process and analyze high-throughput experimental data to iteratively improve generative models.
• Collaboration: Engage with both Roche pRED and ETH Zurich D-BSSE in Basel to translate AI-driven designs into superior AAV vectors.

Ideal Profile

• PhD degree or equivalent in computational biology, bioinformatics, bio-ML, or a related quantitative field (required).
• Hybrid mindset: Interest in applying computational biology to translational challenges; AAV experience is beneficial but not mandatory.
• Generative AI: Hands-on experience with contemporary generative models for proteins (required).
• Interdisciplinary drive: Driven to work at the intersection of computational and experimental realms, with a willingness to acquire experimental validation techniques.
• Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills in English, with the ability to articulate complex ML concepts to experimental molecular biology colleagues.

Workplace Environment

Engage in a dynamic research atmosphere that encourages innovation and fosters collaboration between ETH Zurich and Roche. Enjoy access to state-of-the-art facilities in Basel while being mentored by leading experts from both institutions.

What We Offer

• Ownership of the research process: Gain the unique opportunity to oversee everything from in silico design to experimental validation.
• A highly collaborative research environment: Work at the intersection of academia and industry.
• 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 inclusive of dedicated support for professional networking and career advancement.

Our Commitment to Diversity

ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity and value diversity, nurturing an environment that respects the rights and dignity of all our staff and students. Sustainability is vital to our mission, and we actively work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curiosity is Key

With a passion for innovation and research, this position invites motivated individuals to join a cutting-edge initiative at the frontier of technology and therapeutic development.