The position is a fixed-term appointment for one year, with the possibility of renewal.
The Caflisch group at the Biochemistry department of the University of Zurich is looking for a Research Technician to support its preclinical drug discovery programme for Alzheimer's disease. The research group is a multidisciplinary environment: from computational molecular design, experimental biochemistry and laboratory biology, to in vivo compound validation. The background of the group members ranges from Physics and Chemistry to Biochemistry and Cellular Biology. The group is now expanding its in vivo drug-discovery activities through efficacy, pharmacokinetic and safety studies in mouse models.
The selected candidate will take a central role in the group's in vivo drug discovery programme and the associated tissue and cell analyses. Responsibilities include: (i) performing all hands-on animal work - breeding and colony management of transgenic Alzheimer's mouse models, intravenous (i.v.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) dosing of test compounds and reference treatments, blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling, transcardial perfusion, and brain harvesting and dissection - carried out at the Laboratory Animal Services Center (LASC) in Schlieren in compliance with Swiss animal welfare regulations; (ii) processing brain tissue for histology, including sectioning (cryostat/microtome), immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining for amyloid-β, tau and neuroinflammation markers, fluorescence/confocal imaging and quantitative large-batch image analysis of aggregate burden; and (iii) supporting cell-based assays, including mammalian cell culture, microglial phagocytosis assays and flow cytometry (FACS). The candidate will also contribute to standard biochemical readouts (e.g. ELISA, Western blot) and to the careful documentation of experimental data.
- Completed training as a biomedical or biology laboratory technician (BMA / Laborant:in EFZ), or a Master's or PhD degree in biology, neuroscience, biomedicine or a related field. Eligibility to work in Switzerland is required.
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Hands-on experience in rodent (mouse) handling and in vivo techniques is essential: intravenous (i. v.) and intraperitoneal (i. p.) injections, transcardial perfusion and organ/brain dissection. Experience with colony breeding and management, blood and CSF sampling and stereotaxic/intracranial injection is a strong advantage. A valid Swiss LTK Module 1 (FELASA function A/B) certificate for animal experimentation is required.
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Solid histology experience: tissue sectioning (cryostat and/or microtome), immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining, fluorescence/confocal microscopy and quantitative analysis of large image batches (e.g. ImageJ/Fiji, QuPath). Experience staining and quantifying brain pathology (amyloid-β plaques, tau, neuroinflammation markers) is a plus.
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Cellular biology experience, in particular mammalian cell culture and flow cytometry/FACS (sample preparation, acquisition, gating and analysis). Experience with functional cell assays such as phagocytosis is an advantage.
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Careful, reliable and well-documented working style, the ability to work independently and organise large experimental cohorts, and a collaborative team spirit.
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Solid knowledge of English and good communication skills.
Please send your CV and a motivation letter in English, and grouped in a single PDF file.
