Postdoc Spatial Biology of the Aging Brain (100%)

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!

The newly established research group led by Prof. Marc Aurel Busche is currently seeking a highly motivated and ambitious postdoctoral researcher interested in conducting research at the interface of molecular mechanisms underlying brain aging, neurodegenerative diseases and spatial biology technology development. The lab combines cutting-edge methods such as functional two-photon microscopy, high-density neuropixels electrophysiology and spatial biology research, alongside computational analyses, to uncover novel disease mechanisms and biomarkers of disease progression. The candidate will benefit from active collaborations with Prof. Busche's research group at the UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London (buschelab.com), providing opportunities for close scientific collaboration, shared projects, and methodological training between Basel and London. The position offers an outstanding opportunity to actively shape and build the direction and profile of this newly founded laboratory, developing novel and innovative independent lines of research and significantly contributing to the lab's scientific vision.

Your position

• Planning, designing, and performing experiments involving the development and application of new spatial omics technologies to study the aging brain and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Applying molecular biology methods including spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA sequencing in combination with functional assays such as two-photon imaging and electrophysiology to identify molecular alterations underlying cellular and circuit-level changes.
• Analyzing large-scale, multimodal datasets using computational and statistical approaches.
• Developing original research directions that integrate molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience, actively shaping the group's scientific strategy.
• Collaborating closely with clinicians and researchers at the University Hospital for Geriatric Medicine Felix Platter to link preclinical findings with translational human studies.
• Maintaining active scientific exchange and collaboration with the Busche group at the UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London.
• Mentoring Ph.D. students, supporting daily lab operations, and contributing to a vibrant and productive research environment.
• Preparing scientific manuscripts, grant applications, and presenting research findings at national and international conferences.

Your profile

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, physics, mathematics, or related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise (peer-reviewed publications) in molecular or cell biology, neurobiology, synthetic biology, spatial transcriptomics/single-cell biology or related fields (essential).
• Experience with in vitro molecular research, cell culture models, organoid-based systems or in vivo model organisms (essential).
• Strong analytical and computational skills for large-scale, multimodal dataset analysis (essential).
• Excellent written and communication skills, with fluency in English (essential).
• Proven ability to conduct independent research projects and collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge or strong interest in brain aging, Alzheimer's disease, and neurodegeneration is advantageous.

We offer you

• CV (with publication list)
• Cover letter summarising past achievements and research interests (1 page max.)
• Contact details for at least two referees, including your Ph.D. mentor