As a joint venture of the University of Basel and the University Hospitals Basel, the Department of Biomedicine (DBM) brings together basic and clinical scientists to advance the understanding of health and disease.
We are home to more than 67 research groups and over 800 employees across six locations in the heart of Basel. Our collaborative and international environment fosters innovation, excellence, and impactful research.
The Cancer Neuroimmunology Laboratory, led by Prof. Karen Dixon, is looking for a PhD position in Peripheral Neuroscience and Neuroimmunology.
Join our community and help shape the future of biomedicine.
How do peripheral neurons sense disease, and how do they influence its course?
Our laboratory studies the reciprocal interactions between nerves, immune cells and tumours. We seek to understand how signals arising in diseased tissues alter peripheral neuronal states and activity, and how neuronal responses shape inflammation, antitumour immunity and tumour progression.
Your project
You will investigate how peripheral neurons detect and respond to changes in the tissue environment, with a particular focus on sensory neurons and neuroimmune communication. Key questions include how tumour development remodels peripheral innervation, which neuronal populations respond to inflammatory signals, and how these responses influence local immune function.
Depending on the project direction, you will combine approaches including:
- Anatomical tracing and imaging of peripheral nerves and ganglia.
- Viral and genetic approaches to identify and manipulate defined neuronal populations.
- Functional interrogation of neuronal signalling and neuroimmune interactions.
- Single-cell and spatial profiling to resolve neuronal states and their tissue context.
- In vivo models, complemented by cellular assays and immune profiling.
The project will be developed around your interests and strengths within the laboratory's broader research programme.
We are looking for a curious, motivated student with a strong interest in peripheral neuroscience and a desire to explore questions at the interface of neuroscience, immunology and cancer biology.
You should have:
- A Master's degree, or equivalent, in neuroscience, neurobiology, physiology, biomedical sciences or a related discipline by the start date.
- Practical research experience and a solid foundation in experimental biology.
- An interest in sensory biology, autonomic regulation, interoception or neuroimmune communication.
- A thoughtful, rigorous approach to experiments and a willingness to learn new methods.
- Good communication skills in English and enthusiasm for collaborative research.
Experience with neuronal cultures, microscopy, calcium imaging, electrophysiology, anatomical tracing or mouse models would be an advantage, but is not essential. Previous experience in immunology or cancer biology is not required.
You will join an international, interdisciplinary laboratory at the Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel. We offer close scientific mentorship, training across neuroscience and immunology, access to advanced research infrastructure, and the opportunity to develop an independent project in the emerging field of cancer neuroscience.
Application
A motivation letter describing your research interests, why you would like to join our laboratory, and your relevant experience.
- Your CV and academic transcripts.
- Contact details for two referees.
Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered.
Your motivation letter should reflect your own thinking, experience and reasons for applying. AI tools may be used to improve language and clarity, but must not substitute for your personal scientific motivation. Please include a brief statement declaring whether you used AI tools to prepare your application and, if so, which tools and for what purpose. Applications will be screened for potential AI use and reviewed for originality, specificity and consistency with your stated experience. Declared use of AI for language assistance will not disadvantage your application.
