Technical Assistant (f/m/d) in T Cell Engineering and Molecular Biology

The Department of Neurology (Director: Prof. Dr. Platten) at Mannheim University Medical Center is seeking to strengthen the team, as soon as possible, for a limited period of 2 years, a full-time

Technical Assistant (f/m/d) in T Cell Engineering and Molecular Biology

The Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology (Head: Professor Michael Platten) develops personalised T cell therapies for solid tumours. Our work combines the identification and validation of tumour-reactive T cell receptors, high-throughput molecular cloning and vector engineering, and functional testing of engineered T cells in cellular model systems. We translate these findings into clinically applicable therapeutic candidates together with our clinical and industry partners. The position is based in Heidelberg and is initially limited to 2 years.

Your tasks:

• Isolation of PBMCs from whole blood; activation, REP expansion, and cryopreservation of primary human T cells & Jurkats
• Transfection and electroporation of primary cells; production and titration of lentiviral/retroviral vectors; cell line transduction
• Performing multi-step PCR protocols to generate sequencing libraries for NGS (Illumina or ONT), basic bioinformatics (python)
• 4+ colour flow cytometry (FACS), sorting target cells within GenTG S1 and S2 biosafety requirements, DNA extraction from cells
• Laboratory management: ordering consumables, onboarding colleagues, coordinating repairs, annual inventory, etc.

Your profile:

• Completed training as a technical assistant (BTA/MTA/CTA), or degree in suitable life science subject (BSc or MSc)
• Previous experience in immunology e.g. PBMC isolation, Jurkat cell culture, experience with primary cell lines/tumors
• Experience with 4+ colour flow cytometry and with preparing DNA from sorted cells
• Experience with complex, multi-step molecular biology protocols (NGS library preparation, multi step cloning)