Technician - Mouse Surgery & Neuroscience

Mission

EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) is one of Europe's most dynamic and international research universities, consistently ranked among the world's top institutions. With over 16,000 students and staff from more than 120 countries, EPFL offers an inspiring environment fostering excellence in education, research, and innovation.
Our laboratory develops and applies advanced molecular and optical technologies to study mechanisms of cell surface signaling, cancer neuroscience, and protein engineering, integrating molecular biology, cell biology, and systems neuroscience approaches. To support our expanding in vivo and ex vivo neuroscience program, we are seeking a motivated and experienced technician to assist with mouse work, surgical procedures, and primary neuron culture.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Mouse husbandry and colony management: Maintain and manage mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, weaning, and record-keeping in compliance with EPFL and Swiss animal welfare regulations.
• Surgical procedures: Perform stereotaxic surgeries (e.g., viral injections, cannula implantations, cranial window preparations) under the supervision of senior lab members and in accordance with approved animal protocols.
• Primary neuron culture: Prepare and maintain primary neuronal cultures (cortical, hippocampal, or other CNS neurons), including dissection, dissociation, plating, and routine maintenance.
• General laboratory support: Maintain overall lab organization, including ordering and inventory management, preparation of buffers and reagents, autoclaving, and waste management.
• Safety and compliance: Ensure strict adherence to EPFL biosafety and animal welfare guidelines; assist in training new lab members on animal handling and surgical procedures
• Equipment maintenance: Maintain surgical instruments and relevant laboratory equipment in good working condition; coordinate servicing and calibration as required.

Profile

Required qualifications
• BSc or MSc in neuroscience, biology, bioengineering, or a related life science field.
• At least two years of hands-on experience with rodent handling and in vivo mouse work in an academic or industrial research environment.
• Experience with primary neuron isolation and culture (cortical and/or hippocampal neurons preferred).
• Demonstrated experience with stereotaxic surgery or other neurosurgical techniques.
• Valid Swiss/European animal experimentation license
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international, multidisciplinary team.
• Fluency in English and French.

Desirable qualifications
• Experience with viral vector handling (AAV, lentivirus) for in vivo or in vitro applications.
• Familiarity with basic histology (perfusion, sectioning, immunostaining).
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy or calcium imaging

We offer

• A stimulating position at one of the world’s top research universities.
• A dynamic, diverse, and collaborative working environment at the intersection of molecular biology, neuroscience, and engineering.
• Opportunities for professional development, including language and technical training courses.
• Family-friendly policies and flexible work arrangements supporting work–life balance.

Informations

Contract Start Date : As soon as possible

Activity Rate : 50-100% (negotiable)

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 1 year renewable

Reference: 2200

Only application submitted via the online platform will be considered.

For additional information please contact Dr. Yoon Kim ()