Lab Technician (50%)
The Department of Biomedicine is a joint effort between the University of Basel and the University Hospitals Basel. It unites basic and clinical scientists to advance our understanding of health and disease and to develop pioneering therapies benefiting the lives of patients in areas of unmet need. With more than 70 research groups and 800 employees, the Department of Biomedicine is the largest department at the University. We are located in the heart of Basel at 6 different locations. Be part of our future!
We are seeking a dedicated Lab Technician (50% position) to support a newly funded research project investigating how cellular metabolism and antigen presentation converge to shape antigen processing and presentation. The successful candidate will work closely with a physician–scientist in early independence in the laboratory of Prof. Christoph Hess at the Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel.
The project lies at the intersection of immunometabolism, genetics, and ophthalmology. Birdshot chorioretinitis serves as a model disease because it shows the strongest known association between any human disease and a single HLA allele (HLA-A29). This unique link provides an opportunity to investigate how metabolic cues and genetics jointly shape immune responses.
Your position
• Maintain and expand mammalian cell cultures (e.g., HEK293 and retinal cell lines).• Assist with genome engineering approaches, including CRISPR/Cas9 editing and lentiviral transduction for cell line generation.
• Perform metabolic perturbations and cell‑based assays to study antigen processing and presentation.
• Conduct flow cytometry and fluorescence‑based assays.
• Prepare samples for downstream analyses such as immunopeptidomics and biochemical assays.
• Document experimental procedures, results, and protocols carefully.
• Maintain cell cultures, including occasional weekend duties (e.g., splitting cells) to ensure experimental continuity.
Your profile
• Diploma (or equivalent) in laboratory technology or a higher qualification (e.g., Bachelor's degree in biology, biomedical science, or biotechnology).• Hands‑on experience with mammalian cell culture.
• Experience with molecular biology and genome engineering techniques is advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to documentation of experimental work.
• Ability to work independently within a collaborative research team.
• Motivation to learn new techniques and contribute to interdisciplinary research.
• Fluent in English spoken and written.
Key Competencies
• Ability to learn new techniques quickly and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Effective time management and reliability in maintaining cell cultures.
• Team‑oriented mindset and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills and careful experimental documentation.
We offer you
• A vibrant and interdisciplinary research environment within the Department of Biomedicine at the University of Basel.• Work on a subproject in a large and collaborative research team in a modern and well‑equipped laboratory.
• Training in advanced techniques in genome engineering, immunology, and metabolic cell biology.
• A part‑time position (50%) funded for three years with flexible working hours.
• Potential for extension depending on performance and available funding.
Please send your application including:
• CV
• Short motivation letter
• Contact details of 1–2 referees
to
Christoph Hess: chess@usb.ch
and
Jordan Loeliger: jordan.loeliger@usb.ch
