Founding Scientist - Antibody/Nanobody Drug Discovery

The group of Prof. Andreas Moor (D-BSSE, ETH Zurich, located in Basel) is seeking an exceptional, entrepreneurially minded scientist to drive a colorectal-cancer metastasis-prevention antibody/nanobody program from discovery toward the clinic (start immediately or by arrangement). 

Your path: from fellowship to founding

Over the 12 months you will drive the antibody program toward investor-grade data and a strengthened IP estate, working hands-on with our translational network. The intended path for the right person is to grow into a founding and scientific-leadership role in the venture as it takes shape. 

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.

Job description

• 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-experimentation 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, spinoffs, and commercialization) and want hands-on exposure to it.

We offer

• A concrete founding path: a program already on the spinoff 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.

We value diversity and sustainability

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. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Please submit your application through the ETH online portal with the following documents:

• CV and relevant certificates.
• Cover letter addressing, briefly and concretely:
  • Which research project was most exciting to you so far, and why?
  • Describe a time you took ownership of a direction and drove it forward under uncertainty — what did you do, and how did it turn out?
  • What draws you to translational science and the path from discovery toward a spinoff?
• Names of 3 references.
• Optional but encouraged: a one-page take on why this target area could become a company - the opportunity, the risks, and what you'd want to find out next. Rough is fine; we are interested in how you think.

Applications are accepted only through the online application portal. Applications via email or post will not be considered. For questions about the position (no applications): Prof. Andreas Moor, E-Mail auf jobs.nzz.ch ansehen .