The NextGen Gene Delivery Technologies lab is hiring a researcher assistant with experience in gene therapy and gene editing

We are looking for an enthusiastic technician with experience in molecular biology and cell culture to work on a EU-funded project that aims to develop therapies for inherited kidney diseases.

The NextGen Gene Delivery Technologies lab is seeking to hire a researcher assistant to work at the University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. The lab is part of the Cima research institute and is integrated in the DNA&RNA Medicine Division. The main focus of the lab is the development of potent and safe therapies for inherited kidney diseases through vector engineering and gene editing.

Dr. Nerea Zabaleta, the lab lead, will be the main supervisor of the researcher technician. Dr. Zabaleta has more than 10 years of experience in the field of gene therapy and she has recently transferred her lab from Harvard Medical School to Cima Universidad de Navarra to initiate a gene therapy program focused on inherited kidney diseases. She has recently received an ERC Starting Grant to fund this project. Dr. Zabaleta has ample experience supervising postdocs, technicians and students and is driven towards mentorship.

The project aims to develop innovative in vivo gene editing approaches to treat autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). This is a large project that explores several aspects of gene therapies for renal disease, including vector engineering, gene editing, animal models and patient-derived models. The research technician will support the activities of the project, which include cloning, design of CRISPR strategies, vector production, in vitro testing and analysis of samples obtained from in vitro and in vivo experiments (DNA/RNA/protein extraction, qPCR, ddPCR, NGS, WB, etc).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Support students and postdocs with their studies
• Perform lab techniques as required: cloning, PCR, qPCR, cell culture studies, analysis of a variety of samples, etc.
• The candidate will be required to keep up to date on relevant techniques
• Attend lab meetings and department seminars
• The research assistant will be expected to independently perform the assays with minimal guidance.
• Train PhD and other students on lab techniques
• Perform general lab duties
• All other duties as assigned by the supervisor

"This position is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme (ERC Starting Grant, grant agreement No 101221960)."