Postdoctoral position in microfluidic RNAseq-based screening for optimal T-cell expansion protocols

EPFL; Lausanne; Vor Ort; CHF 110.000 - 150.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

LBMM at EPFL in Lausanne invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher focusing on cell biology and next-generation sequencing to advance multiplexed RNAseq-based screening for T-cell expansion protocols.

The successful candidate will work with microfluidic technologies and collaborate with clinical partners, gaining access to patient material and bioinformatics support. This translational lab offers strong opportunities for career development in academia, industry or startup ventures.

Qualifikationen

• Hands-on experience in cell biology and NGS.
• Good knowledge in T-cell expansion and therapy.
• Motivated in driving tech development.
• Prior experience in microfluidics is advantageous but not absolutely required.
• Good communication skills.

Aufgaben

• Optimization of microfluidic and biochemical workflows
• Development of miniaturized T-cell expansion assays, including feeder cells
• Preparation of NGS libraries
• Data analysis with help from a bioinformatics facility

Kenntnisse

Cell biology

NGS

T-cell expansion

Communication skills

Tools

Microfluidics

Jobbeschreibung

Mission

The Laboratory of Biomedical Microfluidics (LBMM; www.epfl.ch/labs/lbmm) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), is looking for postdocs with a primary training in cell biology and next generation sequencing. Experience in droplet-microfluidics, including use of commercial devices such as the 10X Genomics platform is beneficial, but not absolutely crucial.

For two decades, LBMM has developed powerful technology platforms in the field of biomedicine and genomics, also resulting in the establishment of two startup companies (www.veraxa.de and www.thera-me.ch) and a NASDAQ IPO. Having a comprehensive microfluidic toolbox at hand (and expanding it continuously), we are now inviting applications for highly multiplexed RNAseq‑based screening for optimal T-cell expansion protocols. In close collaboration with the lab of George Coukos (https://agora-cancer.ch/laboratory/coukos-lab/), we will derive protocols enabling rapid expansion of cancer‑specific, autologous TILs for clinical application. The project will be based on repurposing existing microfluidic platforms (e.g. Mathur et al., Nature Communications, Utharala et al., Nature Protocols).

The LBMM has a very translational focus, running a tech development lab on the EPFL campus and a translational lab in the AGORA cancer research center (with direct access to patient material). Furthermore, a strong network of clinical partners in Europe and the US has been established.

The successful candidate will closely interact with experts in microfluidics and bioinformatics, while spearheading the above project.

Main Duties And Responsibilities Include

• Optimization of microfluidic and biochemical workflows
• Development of miniaturized T-cell expansion assays, including feeder cells
• Preparation of NGS libraries
• Data analysis with help from a bioinformatics facility

Your profile

• Hands‑on experience in cell biology and NGS
• Good knowledge in T-cell expansion and therapy
• Motivated in driving tech development
• Prior experience in microfluidics is advantageous but not absolutely required
• Good communication skills

We offer

• A multidisciplinary environment
• Exposure to the latest cutting‑edge experimental procedures (e.g. custom microfluidic platforms and sequencing approaches)
• Preparation for a future career in academia, industry or startup companies

For any further information, please contact: Prof. Christoph Merten, [e-mail]

Contract Start Date : 01/01/2027

Activity Rate : 100.00

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 1 year, renewable

Reference: 2442