Laboratory Technician/Manager in molecular dissection of cellular crosstalk in the intestinal mucosa

Laboratory Technician/Manager in molecular dissection of cellular crosstalk in the intestinal mucosa
50%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The intestinal mucosa forms an integral barrier between our bodies and the outside world. Being exposed to a huge variety of metabolites and microbes taken up with our food or stably colonizing the intestine, it is permeable for essential nutrients while serving as a protective barrier to prevent microbial translocation. A tight balance between the intestinal epithelium, immune cells in the underlying tissue and the intestinal microbiota present in the lumen maintains intestinal homeostasis. The impairment of this balance can trigger disease, such as infection, metabolic disorders, and chronic inflammation (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease). The Hausmann group focuses on understanding how these key players interact to maintain intestinal homeostasis, with a special interest in the intestinal epithelium. We make use of state-of-the-art in vivo and in vitro organoid and microbiota models, omics techniques and bioengineering approaches to dissect cellular crosstalk in the intestinal mucosa in homeostasis and inflammation.

Project background

We offer a Laboratory Techinician/Manager %, completed MSc or apprenticeship) position within the Hausmann group, currently located at the Institute for Food, Health and Nutrition at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zürich (Hönggerberg Campus); regular group and 1-1 meetings; The possibility to contribute to collaborative research projects in- and outside the team. You will be part of a dynamic research environment with a strong microbiology, immunology, and epithelial cell biology network at ETH and UZH, have access to state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of stimulating internal and external seminars.

Job description

• We are seeking a laboratory technician/manager to support our growing research group.
• Responsibilities will include managing lab duties, organising lab space and stocks, assisting with experiments (organoid work, media supplement and buffer preparation, qPCR, anaerobic bacterial culture, synthetic biology, microscopy, animal experiments, organisation) and managing the laboratory strain collection.
• You are a crucial part of our team, and will play an integral part of the progress being made in dissecting mechanisms regulating intestinal homeostasis.
• The starting date is flexible but should not be later than March 2026.

Profile

• Your profile will include completed training as a laboratory technician or a masters degree in Health Sciences, biology, biochemistry or a related discipline.
• Crucial to success will be your ability to work as part of a complex team and an enthusiasm for organisation and coordination of complex tasks.
• Relevant experience includes (organoid) cell culture, microbiology, metabolomics, molecular biology and immunology wet-lab work.
• Although not 100% required, experience in working with mouse experimental models would be a bonus.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required, German desired.

Workplace
Workplace
We offer

The Mucosal Crosstalk group of Dr. Annika Hausmann (SNSF Ambizione group leader) is currently embedded in the Mucosal Immunology lab headed by Prof. Emma Slack, forms part of the Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health and belongs to the Department for Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST) at ETH Zürich. Here, engineers, materials scientists, biochemists and biologists work together to solve some of the most pressing societal issues, such as microbiota-associated and chronic inflammatory diseases.

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• CV and a brief summary of past research
• Motivation letter
• Relevant degrees
• Names of two references

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about the Hausmann group can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Annika Hausmann ) (no applications).

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