We are a central viral vector lab within the Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma research organization. Our mission is to support the broad spectrum of therapeutic research areas with AAV and lentiviral vectors for target validation and gene therapy approaches.
Join our team and support the faster and more efficient development of better medicines.
Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) represent the most attractive vector system for gene transfer in human gene therapy and preclinical research. Over the last decade, capsid engineering has strongly improved the utility of AAVs, among others by enabling efficient gene transfer to novel target tissues. At the same time, state-of-the-art gene silencing approaches, including CRISPR and RNA-interference based on artificial miRNAs, have facilitated efficient gene knockout or knockdown.
In this master’s thesis project, a validated and highly efficient artificial miRNA will be applied to construct a self-regulating AAV. This innovative approach is meant to increase the specificity of AAVs in desired target tissues, while silencing its own expression in undesired off-target cells, for example in the liver. In addition to expression construct cloning and the production, purification, and analysis of AAVs, a particular focus lies in the subsequent characterization of this innovative gene expression control system in mouse tissue samples, to establish in vivo proof-of-concept.
As a student intern, you can expect a fair expense allowance (payment of the currently valid minimum wage) as well as 2.5 paid days off per full month of the internship. A full-time internship is 37.5 hours a week.
During your thesis you will receive an expense allowance of €900 per month.
Start: February / March 2024
Duration: 6 to 8 months
- Molecular biology techniques for expression construct cloning
- Production, purification, and analysis of recombinant AAV vectors, using state-of-the-art production and analytical methods (digital PCR, dynamic light scattering, mass photometry)
- DNA & RNA isolation from different mouse tissue samples, cDNA synthesis, histology
- Application of different analytical methods to assess in vivo gene expression (qRT-PCR, Western Blot, Immunohistochemistry)
- Master student in Molecular Medicine, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or similar discipline
- Profound knowledge of Molecular- and Cell biology
- Practical experience with molecular biological techniques and human cell culture
- Dedicated and team-oriented working spirit
- High willingness to learn novel methods and techniques
- Very good English skills in speaking and writing
Please contact our HR Direct Team, Tel: +49 (0) 6132 77-3330.
Discover our Biberach site: http://xplorebiberach.com