research assistant Jobs

The Jachowicz Lab is looking for a highly organized and motivated person to join our dynamic team at IMBA, Vienna BioCenter, as a research technician. You will be part of a young, international, and supportive group of scientists and work directly on an ERC-funded project aiming to understand changes in 3D genome organization and transcriptome during early mouse development.

In this role, you will work with a fascinating model system of pre-implantation mouse embryos, prepare samples for scientific projects, and apply various imaging and molecular biology techniques.

This position is ideal for both recent graduates who are seeking more hands-on experience, as well as for more experienced professionals who enjoy supporting and strengthening an academic research team.

Your responsibilities

• Work with live mice and early embryos to perform experiments: hormonal injections (superovulation), embryo isolation, mouth pipetting, immunostaining, fluorescent in situ hybridization
• Mouse colony management: breeding and timed breeding, collection of samples for genotyping, weaning, ageing and sexing of pups, retiring of mouse colonies
• Confocal microscopy: independent use of a confocal microscope, data acquisition and analysis, usage of image analysis software (e.g. ImageJ, Imaris)
• Molecular/cellular techniques: general molecular biology techniques including PCR, RT-qPCR, DNA and RNA isolation

What we are looking for

• BA/MA (or higher) in Biology, Biotechnology, or a related subject
• Previous experience working with a mouse model
• Previous laboratory experience and familiarity with routine tasks in fields such as developmental biology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, genomics
• High level of organization and motivation
• Flexibility and ability to work well in a team
• Fluency in English; communicative German is an advantage

Additional assets (considered a plus)

• Experience in confocal microscopy (or similar imaging techniques) and image analysis
• Experience working with early mouse embryo and handling oocytes/preimplantation
• Interest in early mammalian development and molecular mechanisms
• Interest in technology development
• High motivation to learn and support our team

What we offer

• A young, dynamic, and international working environment
• The opportunity to make an important contribution to basic biomedical research
• A fully funded 1-year position with the possibility of extension
• Flexible working hours
• Comprehensive training in all relevant techniques and responsibilities mentioned above
• An English-speaking research environment

About us

The Jachowicz Lab investigates the regulatory role of “dark” genome elements, including transposons, repeats, and other non-canonical RNAs, in shaping genome functions during the first lineage specification in mammals. We use a combination of imaging (confocal, bright-field, spinning-disc) and genome-wide sequencing technologies (SPRITE, RNA-seq, long-read sequencing, mass spectrometry) and apply them to a fascinating model of early mammalian development. We combine these approaches with functional assays using CRISPR-Cas9 and siRNA-based strategies. Our main model systems are mouse embryonic stem cells and early mouse embryos.

IMBA – Institute of Molecular Biotechnology is one of the leading biomedical research institutes in Europe, focusing on cutting-edge functional genomics and stem cell technologies. IMBA is located at the Vienna BioCenter, a vibrant cluster of universities, research institutes, and biotech companies in Austria, and is the largest basic research institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, the leading national sponsor of non-university academic research.

Are you interested?

Do you want to work closely with a motivated group of scientists and support an ambitious academic project? We are looking forward to receiving your application!

Please apply by sending:

• Your CV (including a brief overview of your previous experiences)
• Contact details of at least one referee
• A short motivation letter explaining how you fit the profile

to: joanna.jachowicz(at)imba.oeaw.ac.at