Founding Scientist - Antibody/Nanobody Drug Discovery ETH Zürich is well known for its excellent education, ground-breaking fundamental research and for implementing its results directly into practice.
Project background You will work at the convergence of fundamental research and translational development, advancing nanobody/antibody binders against a validated, disease-relevant target in colorectal‑cancer metastasis (building on the lab's own published discovery work) from early discovery toward a robust preclinical and IP package. Responsibilities include discovery, rigorous screening, and detailed characterization of novel protein binders in an environment that treats translation, IP, and venture formation as part of the scientific discipline.
We welcome candidates with an MSc or PhD in biotechnology, molecular biology, protein science, or a related field, eager to apply their expertise to high-impact challenges. Prior experience with protein engineering, display technologies (phage, yeast, or ribosome display), or cell‑based assays is advantageous.
Experimentation: design and execute studies to develop and characterize novel antibodies and nanobodies.
Optimization: apply molecular biology and protein engineering to enhance binders for affinity, specificity, and stability.
Assay development: create and validate cell‑based / organoid assays to assess therapeutic potential and define the therapeutic window.
Translational ownership: contribute hands‑on to technology transfer, intellectual property (invention disclosures, FTO literature review), and the evolution of the therapeutic pipeline—including preparing materials for, and participating in, tech‑transfer, partner, and investor discussions.
Team: supervise and mentor a research technician, taking responsibility for a small team's output.
Profile
MSc or PhD in a relevant field, with a proven hands‑on track record in the relevant workflows.
Technical strength across: protein engineering and purification; display assays (phage, yeast, or ribosome); ELISA and BLI; flow cytometry, cell sorting, fluorescence microscopy; mammalian cell culture.
Creativity and “out‑of‑the‑box” thinking; ability to operate under pressure and deliver to timeline and budget.
Regulatory/drug‑development exposure and animal‑experimenting experience are a plus.
This role is tailored for scientists who
Are passionate about antibody/nanobody therapeutics and want to see research evolve into tangible clinical solutions.
Are energised by ownership and by driving a project forward under real‑world uncertainty.
Value an environment where scientific inquiry meets strategic development (IP, spin‑offs, and commercialization) and want hands‑on exposure to it.
We offer
A concrete founding path: a program already on the spin‑off track, and the explicit opportunity to grow into a founding, scientific‑leadership role as it incorporates.
Hands‑on exposure to IP development, tech transfer, patent strategy, and venture formation—learning company‑building from inside a live program, alongside our standing network.
A pioneering translational research team with a clear path from discovery to drug development.
An interdisciplinary environment alongside academic and industry experts, and real ownership of a program with translational and commercial potential.
Equal Opportunities and Diversity In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate‑neutral future.
Job details Title: Founding Scientist - Antibody/Nanobody Drug Discovery
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Project background You will work at the convergence of fundamental research and translational development, advancing nanobody/antibody binders against a validated, disease-relevant target in colorectal‑cancer metastasis (building on the lab's own published discovery work) from early discovery toward a robust preclinical and IP package. Responsibilities include discovery, rigorous screening, and detailed characterization of novel protein binders in an environment that treats translation, IP, and venture formation as part of the scientific discipline.
We welcome candidates with an MSc or PhD in biotechnology, molecular biology, protein science, or a related field, eager to apply their expertise to high-impact challenges. Prior experience with protein engineering, display technologies (phage, yeast, or ribosome display), or cell‑based assays is advantageous.
Experimentation: design and execute studies to develop and characterize novel antibodies and nanobodies.
Optimization: apply molecular biology and protein engineering to enhance binders for affinity, specificity, and stability.
Assay development: create and validate cell‑based / organoid assays to assess therapeutic potential and define the therapeutic window.
Translational ownership: contribute hands‑on to technology transfer, intellectual property (invention disclosures, FTO literature review), and the evolution of the therapeutic pipeline—including preparing materials for, and participating in, tech‑transfer, partner, and investor discussions.
Team: supervise and mentor a research technician, taking responsibility for a small team's output.
Profile
MSc or PhD in a relevant field, with a proven hands‑on track record in the relevant workflows.
Technical strength across: protein engineering and purification; display assays (phage, yeast, or ribosome); ELISA and BLI; flow cytometry, cell sorting, fluorescence microscopy; mammalian cell culture.
Creativity and “out‑of‑the‑box” thinking; ability to operate under pressure and deliver to timeline and budget.
Regulatory/drug‑development exposure and animal‑experimenting experience are a plus.
This role is tailored for scientists who
Are passionate about antibody/nanobody therapeutics and want to see research evolve into tangible clinical solutions.
Are energised by ownership and by driving a project forward under real‑world uncertainty.
Value an environment where scientific inquiry meets strategic development (IP, spin‑offs, and commercialization) and want hands‑on exposure to it.
We offer
A concrete founding path: a program already on the spin‑off track, and the explicit opportunity to grow into a founding, scientific‑leadership role as it incorporates.
Hands‑on exposure to IP development, tech transfer, patent strategy, and venture formation—learning company‑building from inside a live program, alongside our standing network.
A pioneering translational research team with a clear path from discovery to drug development.
An interdisciplinary environment alongside academic and industry experts, and real ownership of a program with translational and commercial potential.
Equal Opportunities and Diversity In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate‑neutral future.
Job details Title: Founding Scientist - Antibody/Nanobody Drug Discovery
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Founding Scientist - Antibody/Nanobody Drug Discovery Arbeitgeber: Karlstad University
Die AG Ferrari bietet eine inspirierende Forschungsumgebung, in der Sie an der molekularen Physiologie der Photosynthese arbeiten können. Unser internationales Team ist hochmotiviert und fördert eine offene, kollaborative Arbeitskultur, die Raum für persönliche und berufliche Weiterentwicklung bietet. Mit einem Arbeitsplatz im malerischen Botanischen Garten München-Nymphenburg profitieren Sie von modernen Laboren und einer Vielzahl an Ressourcen, um Ihre Forschungsergebnisse in renommierten Fachzeitschriften zu veröffentlichen und auf nationalen sowie internationalen Konferenzen zu präsentieren.