Postdoctoral Position in Neural Circuit Mechanisms of Ageing and Alzheimer's Disease 100%

The Department of Biomedicine at the University of Basel is home to over 70 different research groups and offers an internationally stimulating, dynamic and friendly atmosphere in an attractive, culturally rich city in the heart of Europe. 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 cutting-edge research on the molecular and neural circuit mechanisms underlying early-stage Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative diseases. The laboratory utilises cutting-edge recording techniques, including two-photon calcium imaging, high-density Neuropixels electrophysiology, and spatial transcriptomics, alongside computational analyses, to uncover novel disease mechanisms and neural biomarkers of disease progression. Our research integrates findings from model systems with translational human studies (e.g., using MEG/EEG), in close collaboration with the Memory Clinic and Old Age Psychiatry at the University Hospital for Geriatric Medicine Felix Platter, where Prof. Busche serves as a clinical director (Chefarzt). The candidate will also 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 two-photon calcium imaging and in vivo Neuropixels electrophysiology in combination with novel behavioural paradigms in mouse models.
• Applying molecular biology methods including spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA sequencing to identify molecular alterations underlying cellular and circuit-level changes.
• Analysing 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 Neuroscience, Computational Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise (peer-reviewed publications) in two-photon calcium imaging and/or Neuropixels electrophysiology in vivo (essential).
• Experience with rodent behavioural assays and stereotactic surgical techniques (essential).
• Strong analytical and computational skills (Python or MATLAB) for large-scale neuronal 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 ageing, Alzheimer's disease, and neurodegeneration is advantageous.

We offer you

You will join a dynamic and collaborative research environment in a world-leading centre for biomedical research. You will have the unique opportunity to significantly influence the establishment and growth of a new laboratory, interact closely with clinical researchers, and maintain international research collaborations. The Department of Biomedicine provides excellent internal training opportunities and access to state-of-the-art technological platforms, combined with careful mentorship. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive social benefits, and family-friendly conditions. Respect for human values, including diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, are driving principles of our Department, ensuring an ideal environment to develop your scientific career.

• 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