Research Associate

Research Associate / Postdoc in Biophysical Characterization of Immune-Cell Activation (100%)
School of Life Sciences FHNW, Institute for Chemistry and Bioanalytics

Teaching, research and practice - we connect

Your tasks

We are seeking a highly motivated and curious postdoctoral researcher or research associate with a passion for quantitative data analysis in the fields of immunology and biophysics. In this role, you will contribute to seminal work on the cellular and molecular characterization of receptor signaling of immune cells by applying biophysics to living cells. Building on our earlier findings that focal molography can be used to study immunological receptors on living cells, you will investigate immune cell activation. This interdisciplinary position offers the rare opportunity to work closely with Lino Biotech, the developer of focal molography, and Miltenyi Biotec, in a collaboration supported by Innosuisse funding. The position is based at FHNW's new Muttenz campus, just outside Basel, Switzerland.

Key respnsibilities:

• Develop advanced cellular assays to study immune-cell activation using focal molography
• Investigate TCR binding of living cells and analyze receptor signaling with biophysical approaches
• Perform data analysis and modeling using Python
• Establish and adapt assays for use with clinically relevant primary human cells
• Supervise Bachelor's and Master's students
• Contribute to project planning and coordination

The position is fully funded and initially limited to 18 months, with the possibility of extension.

Your profile

• Strong background in cellular immunology
• Hands-on experience in biophysical methods such as BLI, SPR, or related techniques
• Proficiency in Python or R for data analysis
• Practical experience in protein biochemistry, flow cytometry (FACS), and cell culture
• Collaborative team player who enjoys working in an interdisciplinary environment
• Motivation to develop and implement innovative approaches in a supportive and open setting
• Excellent command of spoken and written English
• German language skills are an advantage

We offer:

• A cutting-edge research environment focused on cellular biophysics
• Collaboration within an interdisciplinary team of biochemists, cell biologists, immunologists, and bioinformaticians
• Access to state-of-the-art biophysical and immunological platforms, as well as advanced cell biology tools (e.g., FACS, microscopy)
• Close interdisciplinary collaboration within the institute and with two leading biotechnology companies
• Dedicated mentoring and support for personal development and advanced training
• Opportunity to contribute to pioneering research in a rapidly emerging area of immunology

Your prospects:

The FHNW School of Life Sciences offers state-of-the-art technical, laboratory and office facilities. Contributing to the school's highly motivating working environment – which is second to none – are its collaboration with a large number of companies and institutions in Switzerland and abroad, a widely varied programme of scientific events, and daily contact with young students in research and teaching. The FHNW is also committed to equal opportunities and the compatibility of private and professional life.

Your benefits:

Wide range of university sports

Cultural programme of lectures, concerts, theatre and films

Established implementation of equal pay

Targeted promotion of doctoral projects

Annual working time (42 hours/week) with the option of part-time and teleworking

Mentoring programme for career development

Start Date: immediately.

Apply online

Your workplace

Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW

Hofackerstrasse 30

4132 Muttenz

Any questions?

About the position:

Prof. Dr. Dominik Meinel, Research Group Leader, Contact:

About the recruiting process:

Cristina Kabas, HR Manager, Contact:

Will you soon belong to our team? We look forward to your application.

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