We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic engineering Postdoc, who will want to work in an international environment in Basel, Switzerland. For a collaborative project between the Bio Engineering Laboratory (Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering of ETH Zurich in Basel) and Novartis Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland, we are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Researcher. The candidate will have a unique opportunity to collaborate across scientific and organizational boundaries with a focus on developing advanced human in vitro models that have the potential to provide new insights into neuroinflammatory disease mechanisms and innovative therapeutic approaches for patients.
Job description
- In this collaborative effort, the Postdoc will develop and apply human in vitro models of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to investigate mechanisms driving disease progression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Increasing evidence suggests that B cells can become compartmentalized within the central nervous system (CNS), where they contribute to chronic neuroinflammation and remain incompletely accessible to current therapies
- Building on an established multicellular, flow-enabled human BBB platform, the successful candidate will incorporate additional neuroimmune components, including microglia and human B cells, to establish a disease-relevant neuroimmune model of progressive MS
- This model will be used to investigate mechanisms regulating B-cell trafficking, CNS compartmentalization, persistence, and therapeutic depletion, and to evaluate next-generation brain-penetrant B-cell-depleting therapies
Profile
- The successful candidate should have a background in immunology, neuroimmunology, neuroscience, bioengineering, biotechnology, or related disciplines
- Experience with advanced in vitro models, blood-brain barrier biology, complex cell culture systems, neuroinflammation, or immune cell biology is highly desirable
- Experience working with human immune cells, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, molecular biology techniques or transcriptomics will be considered advantageous
- Good communication skills and a proactive work attitude are required for working in the interdisciplinary field of neuroimmunology and drug development
- The Postdoc must be able to communicate fluently in English (oral and written) and be willing to work in a highly interactive and collaborative international environment
- The researcher will work at the interface of academic and industrial research with access to resources and expertise from both institutions
- Academic excellence, a professional work attitude, and a self-driven nature are expected
- The position is fully funded for 2.5 years with annual contract renewal
We offer
- Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
- You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits
Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity and sustainability
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application latest by December 15th 2026:
- A short and specific motivation statement for the advertised position (1/2 page)
- Complete academic transcripts
- An up-to-date CV
- At least two reference letters (or contact details of referees)
Further information about the Bio Engineering Laboratory can be found on our Website. For more information on the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Andreas Hierlemann, andreas.hierlemann@bsse.ethz.ch (no applications).
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
The starting date is flexible but must be before February 2027.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
