Open Position for a Laboratory Technician in Rodent Social Neuroscience

Department of Neurology, University of Bern & Inselspital University Hospital Bern
Experimental Neurology Center (ZEN), Switzerland

The research group of Prof. Pegah Kassraian is seeking a Laboratory Technician/Lab Manager with prior experience with rodent research. The position is fully funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and the Faculty of Medicine.

The research group investigates, in rodents, the behavioral, neural, molecular, and circuit-level mechanisms of social cognition, with close links to clinical research. Experimental methods include the manipulation and monitoring of neural circuits using in vivo calcium and neurotransmitter imaging, optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches, combined with computational analysis of behavioral and neural data acquired in controlled and semi-naturalistic social environments.

Group members are embedded in an international, collaborative, and highly interdisciplinary environment at ZEN, with strong national and international collaborations, and are provided with ample opportunities for career development. The laboratory technician is expected to start in August 2026 or by mutual agreement. Review of applications continues until the position is filled.

Laboratory Technician (50%, fixed-term)

The group is looking for a laboratory technician who will support both lab management and experimental research. Tasks include experimental assistance, data collection support, maintenance of laboratory equipment, and organizational duties including ordering supplies and maintaining equipment. Contract length: 2 years with the possibility of extension.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor degree or higher in life sciences with prior experience in rodent experimental research. Degree in neuroscience is a plus.
• Is experienced with basic lab techniques such as stereotaxic surgeries, histology, imaging of brain tissue, genotyping, rodent perfusion and dissection.
• Holds a LTK 1 (FELASA B) certification and has hands-on experience with laboratory animals.
• High level of reliability, organization, and teamwork. Prior experience as a lab manager, including with ordering supplies, maintaining equipment and stocks is of advantage.

We Offer

• An international, collaborative, and supportive research environment with a strong focus on excellent fundamental research with clinical relevance
• State-of-the-art research infrastructure within the University of Bern
• Internationally highly competitive salaries and benefits in accordance with University of Bern employment regulations and SNSF-funded positions
• Career development opportunities, including mentoring, training in grant writing and teaching, and possibilities to apply for local and national grants for early career researchers
• Strong collaborations with partners across computational sciences, clinical and human neuroscience, psychiatry, and engineering

Application procedure

To apply, please submit a single PDF containing your CV, a brief statement of research interests, and the contact details of two to three referees to Prof. Pegah Kassraian at pegah.kassraian@unibe.ch . Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Informal inquiries are welcome.