Postdoc Position in Glioblastoma Neurobiology and Neuron-Tumor Connectivity

Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich; Zürich; Vor Ort; CHF 30’000 - 80’000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A prestigious university in Switzerland is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to explore glioblastoma neurobiology and neuron-tumor connectivity. The role involves establishing neuron-tumor co-cultures and integrating electrophysiological and transcriptomic data to identify therapeutic targets. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in a related field, has a strong background in cell culture and electrophysiology, and is fluent in English. This is a full-time position with funding for up to 3 years, offering a collaborative environment with access to state-of-the-art technologies.

Leistungen

Collaborative international team

Access to HD-MEA technology

Opportunity to influence cancer research

Qualifikationen

• Strong background in cell culture including primary neurons or iPSC-derived cells.
• Experience with electrophysiology techniques, such as patch-clamp or MEA recordings.
• Track record of scientific productivity with publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Aufgaben

• Establish and characterize human neuron-tumor co-cultures.
• Perform longitudinal electrophysiological recordings to track tumor invasion effects.
• Apply spatial transcriptomic techniques to map gene expression changes.

Kenntnisse

Cell culture

Electrophysiology

Scientific productivity

Fluency in English

Ausbildung

PhD in neuroscience, biology, bioengineering, or related field

Tools

HD-MEAs

Python

R

MATLAB

Jobbeschreibung

Postdoc Position in Glioblastoma Neurobiology and Neuron-Tumor Connectivity

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for an exciting collaboration between the Bio Engineering Laboratory (Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel) and the University Hospital Heidelberg / German Cancer Research Center (Heidelberg, Germany).

Project background

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most aggressive primary brain cancer in adults. Recent breakthroughs in cancer neuroscience have revealed that tumor cells integrate into neuronal circuits, forming functional synaptic connections that drive proliferation, invasion, and therapy resistance. This discovery opens new therapeutic avenues: pharmacological strategies targeting neuron-tumor crosstalk may slow disease progression where conventional treatments fail.

This project combines cutting-edge technologies to dissect these interactions: high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) for large-scale electrophysiology, spatial transcriptomic methods, and human iPSC-derived neuronal models. Building on our preliminary work using retrograde tracing and live-cell imaging to map GB-neuron connectivity, we aim to identify molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.

As a postdoc in this project, you will:

• Establish and characterize human neuron-tumor co-cultures using iPSC-derived neurons and patient-derived GB models on HD-MEAs
• Perform longitudinal electrophysiological recordings to track how tumor invasion alters neuronal network activity at single-cell and population levels
• Apply spatial transcriptomic techniques to map gene expression changes in tumor-connected versus unconnected neurons
• Integrate functional and transcriptomic datasets to identify molecular mechanisms underlying GB-neuron interactions
• Contribute to drug screening efforts targeting neuron-tumor connectivity

Profile

• PhD in neuroscience, biology, bioengineering, or a related field
• Strong background in cell culture, including primary neurons or iPSC-derived cells
• Experience with electrophysiology (e.g., patch-clamp or MEA recordings)
• Track record of scientific productivity (publications in peer-reviewed journals)
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English

Advantageous:

• Experience with cancer models or glioblastoma research
• Familiarity with transcriptomic methods (RNA-seq, FISH, spatial transcriptomics)
• Programming skills for data analysis (Python, R, or MATLAB)

Workplace

We offer

• Funding: Full position (100%) for up to 3 years
• Environment: A collaborative, international team at ETH Zurich's Basel campus with access to state-of-the-art HD-MEA technology and microscopy facilities
• Collaboration: Close partnership with a leading cancer neuroscience group in Heidelberg
• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society

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 by February 28th 2026.

A complete application package includes

• A short and specific motivation statement for the advertised position (max. 1 page)
• Complete academic transcripts (BSc, MSc, PhD)
• At least two reference letters (or contact details of at least 2 reference persons).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications submitted via e-mail or postal services or incomplete application packages will not be considered.

Further information about the Bio Engineering Laboratory can be found on our website. For more information on the position, please contact exclusively via e-mail: [e-mail].