Laboratory Technician / Research Assistant position in Cell and Virus Biology

Research groups at the Department of Molecular Life Sciences (DMLS) of the University of Zurich (UZH) explore fundamental principles controlling the activity of biological systems across scales, from viruses to single cells, multicellular organisms and entire ecosystems. The Greber laboratory uses viruses and rigorous approaches to pursue questions of fundamental cell and virus biology taking multi-scale data integration, multi-omics data sets and targeted perturbations.

We are seeking a motivated laboratory technician/scientific assistant to support a research project investigating the late stages of human adenovirus infection. Adenoviruses are important pathogens and widely used as therapeutic vectors. While the early stages of adenovirus infection have been extensively studied, considerably less is known about viral assembly, intracellular trafficking, and the release of progeny from infected cells.

The project aims to identify cellular factors involved in these processes using virus-encoded CRISPR screening, molecular and cell-biological methods, and mechanistic follow-up experiments. The successful candidate will directly contribute to the experimental work while also supporting the organization and the day-to-day operation of the laboratory.

Your responsibilities

• Support and independently perform experiments within ongoing research projects
• Perform standard molecular and cell-biological analyses
• Record experimental procedures and results accurately and maintain organized research documentation
• Prepare media, solutions, reagents, and other materials required for laboratory work
• Support the organization of laboratory supplies, inventories, and orders
• Routine administrative tasks and the maintenance of laboratory records
• Coordinate routine maintenance, servicing, and repair of laboratory equipment
• Collaborate closely with researchers, students, and other technical staff

Your profile

• Master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular medicine, microbiology, or a related discipline – Mandatory
• Practical experience in experimental molecular or cell biology – Mandatory
• Experience with mammalian cell culture – Advantageous
• Experience with molecular cloning, virus infection, microscopy, western blotting, quantitative PCR, or CRISPR-based methods – Advantageous
• Careful, reliable, and well-organized working style
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Willingness to learn new techniques and take responsibility for assigned tasks

What we offer