PhD Student in Genome Engineering

Job summary

This position offers a fully funded 3-year PhD scholarship focused on engineering hematopoietic stem cells for brain-targeted therapies, aimed at addressing neurodegenerative diseases. The role is based in a lab at a technical university, under the supervision of a Tenure Track Assistant Professor.

Qualifications

• MSc degree (120 ECTS) in biotechnology, molecular biology, bioengineering, neurobiology, immunology, stem cell biology, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience in molecular biology, cloning, and/or genome engineering.
• Familiarity with mammalian cell culture; experience with primary cells, HSCs/HSPCs, immune cells, or cell therapy models is advantageous.
• Interest in neurodegenerative diseases, microglia biology, and cell-based therapies.
• Experience with flow cytometry, NGS/single-cell analysis, or in vivo models is a plus.
• Programming or data analysis skills, or a strong motivation to develop them.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary setting.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Optimize CRISPR- and recombinase-based strategies for gene insertion in human HSCs.
• Design libraries of candidate genes to enhance brain entry, engraftment, and therapeutic function.
• Conduct molecular and functional validation using various assays and techniques.
• Collaborate with team members to test engineered HSCs in mouse models and analyze data.
• Integrate successful gene combinations into models of neurodegeneration.
• Supervise B.Sc./M.Sc. students and contribute to interdisciplinary projects.

Education

• A two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent is required.

Tools

• CRISPR, recombinase systems, molecular profiling techniques, flow cytometry, and gene expression assays.