Laboratory Technician (Laborant)

We are seeking a Laboratory Technician (Laborant EFZ – Biology) to join the DeepIR flagship initiative, where they will support high-throughput experimental workflows in antibody discovery and characterization. This role focuses on executing and maintaining molecular cloning and yeast-based display platforms, including library generation, screening, and sample tracking, to ensure the reliable production of high-quality experimental data. The position is highly hands-on and operational, with strong ownership of experimental execution, laboratory organization, and data documentation, and involves close collaboration with scientists.

Tasks
The key responsibilities of the Technical Assistant (Laborant EFZ - Fachrichtung Biologie) in Antibody Discovery:

• Execute molecular cloning workflows in E. coli, including PCR, Gibson Assembly, and transformation, to generate and maintain antibody libraries.
• Manage yeast-based platforms (e.g., Yeast Surface Display) by performing culturing, induction, and preparation of libraries for screening.
• Perform high-throughput screening using MACS or FACS to identify and sort high-affinity antibody binders from yeast libraries.
• Conduct plasmid preparation and sequence analysis to verify library diversity and candidate identity.
• Maintain microbial stocks, ensuring the integrity and traceability of bacterial and yeast strains in the internal biobank.
• Ensure laboratory excellence by preparing media/buffers, maintaining equipment, and documenting all experiments in an Electronic Lab Notebook.

Requirements
Core skills and experience expected from the Laborant EFZ in Antibody Discovery:

• Completed training as Laborant EFZ (Biologie), BTA, or an equivalent qualification with a strong focus on molecular biology.
• Proven hands-on experience with E. coli and Yeast; familiarity with microbial growth kinetics and sterile handling is essential.
• Proficiency in molecular cloning (e.g., restriction/ligation, Golden Gate, or Gibson) and DNA purification.
• Experience with FACS/MACS is a plus, especially in the context of surface display based screenings.
• Reliable and precise working style, with a high level of attention to detail during repetitive high-throughput tasks.
• Strong organizational skills for managing large sets of clones, samples, and experimental data.
• Good communication skills in English; ability to understand and follow technical protocols.

About the Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering

The Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE) is a newly founded non-profit research organization aiming to become a world leading research institute for the advanced study of immunological systems with a mission to develop translational solutions for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. The scientific foundation of the BIIE and the broader field of Immune Engineering is based on the intersection of three interdisciplinary subdomains: (i) systems immunology, (ii) synthetic immunology and (iii) computational immunology. The BIIE will serve as a hub for multidisciplinary science, by uniting people with diverse expertise in immunology, biomedicine, bioengineering, systems and synthetic biology, computational biology, artificial intelligence and machine learning. As part of the mission of BIIE to make a lasting impact, it will dedicate significant efforts in training early-stage researchers in this unique multidisciplinary environment, thus enabling them to become future leaders in Immune Engineering.