Postdoc position in mesothelioma research (80-100%, upon agreement)

Das Universitätsspital Zürich ist eines der grössten Spitäler in der Schweiz. Unsere über 8'600 Mitarbeitenden und rund 700 Auszubildende setzen sich täglich für das Wohl unserer Patient : innen ein.

The successful candidate will work on key parts of this collaborative project, funded by SNSF.

The tasks include :

• Selection of patient cohorts from the clinical database and preparation of samples including tissues, RNA, DNA. This may also include the preparation of single cell and bulk RNA sequencing libraries.
• Collaborate and prepare samples for DNA methylation profiling by Illumina Infinium 450k array.
• Establish in vivo mouse xenograft for PM (with bioluminescent and fluorescent imaging) using the already available 3D cell model, and perform treatment with new treatment agents
• Perform analyses on the in vivo samples such as bulk or single cell RNA sequencing, cell culture, FACS, immunohistochemical / immunofluorescent stainings
• Report the results and present at the monthly consortium meeting

In addition, the successful candidate will also take part in other ongoing projects for PM at our institution, that require similar technical approaches.

Although, this project is limited to around 2 years, there is an option for extension.

PhD in biology, biomedical science or a related science field. In addition to hands-on experience in cell culture and the standard biology methods, applicants must be willing to take a lead in performing experiments with mouse model.

You have experience with tumor animal models, and LTK 1 already completed is a plus. You are willing to get familiarize with bioinformatics approaches or an experience with bioinformatics tools is a plus.

You are fluent in English (writing and speaking) with high degree of flexibility and dedication to the project. Knowledge of German is a plus.

You are able and want to work independently and enjoy challenges. You work accurately and in an organized manner. A good and accurate documentation of data and regular exchange with the direct supervisor is necessary.

You have empathy and enjoy working in a team.

We are offering an original and translational research project addressing unmet clinical needs of mesothelioma. You will be working in a team of highly motivated colleagues with experience in translational and clinical research, and will be provided with an excellent supporting environment and infrastructure.

Our lab is located at the University Hospital Zurich, in the center of the city of Zurich. The animal facility is located in the research facilities of the University Hospital in Schlieren.

In additional, you will be working in a consortium involving clinicians, bioinformaticians, biologists with expertise in PM, multi-omics data analysis, and in vitro and in vivo tumor model development.

The team PI Prof. Opitz, Director of the Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Zurich is the Chair of the Lung Cancer Center (LTZ).

As a reference center for PM surgery, the LTZ receives referrals from all over Switzerland and aboard and possess a large collection PM tumor biobank along with comprehensive clinical data.

This offers you valuable resource for generating new ideas for a research project that can be done alongside or for the prolongation of your research stay.