ERC-Funded Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Spatial Omics | EPFL, Lausanne

Biopractify; Lausanne; Hybrid; CHF 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

EPFL's Molecular Spatial Omics Laboratory (Schueder Lab) in Lausanne seeks a postdoctoral researcher to advance the Molecular Atlas Project (MAP) by developing DNA-based technologies for high-resolution spatial molecular mapping.

You will integrate DNA nanotechnology with advanced microscopy and sequencing, contributing to large-scale biological maps.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field such as Molecular Biology, Physics, or related disciplines.
• Experience in DNA nanotechnology, DNA origami, DNA hybridization, or nucleic-acid engineering is valuable.
• Strong computational and quantitative imaging analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop DNA-based technologies for spatial molecular mapping.
• Collaborate on MAP development and translational discussions.
• Operate and optimize DNA-PAINT and FLASH-PAINT workflows.
• Perform controlled proof-of-concept experiments and data analysis.
• Contribute to transcriptome- and proteome-scale applications.

Skills

Molecular biology

Bioinformatics

Single-molecule imaging

Super-resolution microscopy

Computational analysis

Quantitative image analysis

DNA barcoding

Education

PhD or equivalent in Chemistry

PhD or equivalent in Molecular Biology

PhD or equivalent in Biochemistry

PhD or equivalent in Physics

PhD or equivalent in Nanoscience

Tools

DNA-PAINT

FLASH-PAINT

DNA nanotechnology

Job description

ERC-Funded Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Spatial Omics | EPFL, Lausanne

Laboratory: Molecular Spatial Omics Laboratory (Schueder Lab)

Expected Start Date: 1 February 2027, with some flexibility

Research Areas: Molecular Spatial Omics | Spatial Biology | DNA Nanotechnology | Super-Resolution Microscopy | Molecular Barcoding | Sequencing | Molecular Biology | Bioinformatics | Single-Molecule Imaging

The Molecular Spatial Omics Laboratory (Schueder Lab) at the School of Life Sciences, EPFL, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Molecular Atlas Project (MAP), funded through an ERC Starting Grant.

The project focuses on developing innovative approaches that combine molecular barcoding, advanced microscopy, and sequencing to achieve comprehensive spatial mapping of biological systems.

About the Schueder Lab

The Molecular Spatial Omics Laboratory at EPFL develops technologies to reveal the molecular organization of biological systems with high spatial precision.

The laboratory combines approaches from:

• Molecular biology
• DNA nanotechnology
• Super-resolution microscopy
• Single-molecule imaging
• Molecular barcoding
• Quantitative image analysis
• Computational analysis

The research aims to develop technologies capable of mapping molecular information within biological systems at increasingly comprehensive scales.

The Project

The selected postdoctoral researcher will work with Dr. Florian Schueder on the Molecular Atlas Project (MAP).

The project aims to develop new technologies that combine molecular barcoding, advanced microscopy, and sequencing for comprehensive spatial mapping of biological systems.

The research will progress from controlled proof-of-concept experiments toward increasingly large-scale molecular mapping applications.

The project includes:

• DNA nanotechnology-based proof-of-concept experiments
• Development of the core technologies of MAP
• Combining DNA-PAINT and FLASH-PAINT
• Super-resolution microscopy
• Molecular biology and sequencing
• Progression toward transcriptome- and proteome-scale applications
• Computational analysis and quantitative data interpretation

A central goal of the project is to develop technologies capable of determining where molecular components are located within biological systems while maintaining high molecular specificity and spatial resolution.

The research will investigate approaches combining:

• Molecular barcoding
• DNA-based technologies
• Spatial molecular mapping
• Quantitative image analysis
• Computational approaches

These technologies will contribute toward comprehensive molecular atlases of biological systems.

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the development of DNA-based technologies for spatial molecular analysis.

Research activities may include:

• DNA nanotechnology
• DNA-based molecular barcoding
• Controlled DNA-based proof-of-concept experiments
• DNA-PAINT
• FLASH-PAINT
• Molecular biology
• Sequencing-based approaches
• Development of technologies for spatial molecular mapping

The project provides an opportunity to work at the interface of DNA nanotechnology, microscopy, molecular biology, and spatial omics.

Advanced microscopy is a major component of the Molecular Atlas Project.

The research will involve technologies and approaches related to:

• Super-resolution microscopy
• Single-molecule fluorescence
• DNA-PAINT
• FLASH-PAINT
• Quantitative imaging
• Image analysis

The candidate will contribute to the development and application of imaging technologies for high-resolution molecular mapping.

An important long-term objective of MAP is to progress from controlled proof-of-concept experiments toward transcriptome- and proteome-scale applications.

The research will therefore combine experimental technology development with:

• Molecular biology
• Spatial mapping
• Computational analysis
• Quantitative image analysis

This interdisciplinary approach will help establish new strategies for comprehensive spatial analysis of biological systems.

Computational & Data Analysis

The project also involves computational analysis of imaging and molecular data.

Potential research activities include:

• Quantitative image analysis
• Analysis of super-resolution microscopy data
• Computational analysis of large-scale datasets
• Integration of imaging and sequencing information

Candidates with computational experience may therefore contribute to the development of quantitative spatial omics approaches.

The ideal candidate will be a motivated and experienced scientist interested in developing new technologies at the interface of molecular biology, microscopy, DNA nanotechnology, and spatial omics.

Candidates should have a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field such as:

• Molecular Biology
• Physics
• Related disciplines

Experience in one or more of the following areas will be particularly valuable:

• DNA nanotechnology, DNA origami, DNA hybridization, or nucleic-acid engineering
• Single-molecule fluorescence and super-resolution microscopy
• DNA-PAINT or related imaging technologies
• Molecular biology and sequencing
• Quantitative image analysis
• Computational or bioinformatics approaches

What We Value

Applicants do not need to have experience in all areas of the project.

More importantly, candidates should demonstrate:

• A strong background in at least one relevant research field.
• Scientific independence.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Enthusiasm for developing and learning new technologies.
• Interest in interdisciplinary research.
• Ability to work in a collaborative research environment.

The position is particularly suitable for researchers who are excited about learning techniques outside their existing area of expertise.

What We Offer

The selected postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to:

• Work on an ERC-funded research project.
• Join the Molecular Spatial Omics Laboratory at EPFL.
• Work on the Molecular Atlas Project (MAP).
• Develop new molecular spatial omics technologies.
• Gain experience in DNA nanotechnology and molecular barcoding.
• Work with advanced super-resolution microscopy approaches.
• Explore DNA-PAINT and FLASH-PAINT technologies.
• Combine microscopy with molecular biology and sequencing.
• Work toward transcriptome- and proteome-scale applications.
• Develop computational and quantitative analysis skills.
• Work in a highly interdisciplinary scientific environment.
• Contribute to cutting-edge research in spatial biology and molecular mapping.

The position offers the opportunity to work at EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland, within a highly interdisciplinary research environment.

The project brings together expertise in:

The position is funded through an ERC Starting Grant and provides an opportunity to contribute to the development of emerging technologies for molecular-scale spatial mapping.

Expected Start: 1 February 2027

School: School of Life Sciences

Laboratory: Molecular Spatial Omics Laboratory (Schueder Lab)

Funding: ERC Starting Grant

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher

Research Areas: Molecular Spatial Omics | Spatial Biology | DNA Nanotechnology | Super-Resolution Microscopy | Molecular Biology | Sequencing | Bioinformatics

Key Technologies: DNA-PAINT | FLASH-PAINT | Molecular Barcoding | Super-Resolution Microscopy | DNA Nanotechnology

Academic Background: PhD or equivalent in Chemistry | Molecular Biology | Biochemistry | Bioengineering | Nanoscience | Physics or related field