The mission of the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (BIH) is medical translation: transferring biomedical research findings into novel approaches to personalized prediction, prevention, diagnostics and therapies and, conversely, using clinical observations to develop new research ideas. The aim is to deliver relevant medical benefits to patients and the population at large. The BIH was founded in 2013 and is funded 90 percent by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and 10 percent by the State of Berlin. Since 2021 the BIH has been integrated into Charité as its so-called third pillar.

The BIH is looking from the 01.01.2024 temporary (12 months) for a

Technical Assistant (f/m/d)

The Vallier lab based at the BCRT will takes advantage of human induced pluripotent stem cells and primary organoids to understand liver development in human and to generate cells with a clinical interest for modelling diseases and for cell-based therapies applications. More precisely, we investigate the molecular mechanisms controlling cell fate decisions during human development and exploit the resulting knowledge to produce liver cells especially hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. The resulting cells are then used to investigate diseases mechanisms, to identify new drug target and to develop regenerative medicine therapies. Related research in the Vallier Lab includes genetic screen to identify factors directing liver diseases, validations of new pathways for drug development against NAFLD/NASH, investigation of molecular mechanisms controlling liver organogenesis and regenerative processes in chronic liver diseases.

Your job description:

The candidate will work on a project aiming to identify new therapeutic targets against NAFLD/NASH. The role of the candidate will be to perform genetic screen using CRISPR/Cas9 on hiPSCs derived hepatocytes.  They will differentiate hIPSCs into liver cells, transfer guide RNA library, collect the cells and analyze the resulting data. Importantly, this project will end once 20 genetic screen have been performed, since this will allow the coverage of the entire genome. This includes:

• Receipt, documentation and tracking of valuable samples, including clinical samples
• Review and qualitative evaluation of the sample
• Application of previously determined analytical procedures
• Filling, operation and calibration/programming of the instruments to be used
• Preparatory compilation, evaluation and technical assessment of the analysis results as support for the project management/scientific staff in English
• Compilation and documentation of the results in databases in English
• Maintenance of laboratory equipment, if necessary organization of external service and repair measures.

Your profile:

To achieve this project, the candidate will need the following skills:

• MTA/MTLA or equivalent (Bachelor in cell biology).
• Experience in tissue culture, preferably with human pluripotent stem cell.
• Basic experience with genome editing, CRISPR/Cas9 and lentivirus based guide RNA libraries.

• Basic experience in flow cytometry, QPCR, expression profiling, confocal imaging.
• Experience in working independently while keeping a strong team spirit.
• Strong self-motivation, organizational skills, and ability to lead and develop scientific projects.
• Scientific curiosity, analytical thinking, and interest in contributing to projects.
• Ability to work in a team of young scientists, to be flexible, and flourish in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work collaborate effectively with individuals of different backgrounds in a multidisciplinary team, team orientated with excellent organizational skills including project management and good record keeping important.
• Fluent English

We offer:

• A varied job in a forward-looking research institute
• Flat hierarchies and short decision-making processes
• Very good opportunities for further education and training
• A full-time position (39h/week). The end date will be adapted in order to keep 12 months in total.
• Remuneration up to TVöD VKA-K EG9b, taking into account personal requirements.
• Additional benefits customary in the public sector (e.g. annual bonus, VBL)
• 30 vacation days per year (with a five-day week) and up to 24 floating days per year
• Flexible working hours and option to work mobile for a better work-life balance

We live diversity!

BIH strongly encourages qualified women to apply. Applications from people with a migration background who meet the hiring requirements are expressly encouraged. Applicants with severe disabilities and those of equal status will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability.

Please submit your application via the BIH career portal https://jobs.bihealth.org by 17.12.2023, quoting the reference number BIH-103.23.

The Job interviews will be organized digitally from January 2024 on.

Note: If you have a foreign university degree, please note that it may be necessary to obtain a certificate from the ZAB. You can find more information at: https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education.html

For those born after 1970, proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required.

For technical queries regarding the job advertisement, please contact Mr. Prof.Dr. Ludovic Vallier (mail: ludovic.vallier@bih-charite.de).

For more information on BIH, please visit www.bihealth.org