Junior Scientist / Scientist – Metabolic Disease Biology (1 year contract)

About us

Ridgeline Discovery, a Versant Ventures Discovery Engine, creates and operates Versant-financed innovative biotech companies in partnership with entrepreneurs, industry, and leading academics across Europe. In recent years, Ridgeline has assembled an international team of >50 highly experienced drug discovery and industry professionals and built and operated multiple new successful companies; these companies have raised significant funds through Series B, IPO and an exit through a trade sale.

For one of our seed companies, we are looking for a Junior Scientist / Scientist to develop and execute cell-based assays in the field of metabolic diseases.

This is a highly hands-on role, with at least 80% of the position spent in the laboratory. The ideal candidate is a recent PhD graduate or early-career scientist who enjoys experimental work, assay development and troubleshooting.

The start date is as soon as possible (upon agreement). The position is offered on a fixed-term basis for approximately one year.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize and execute robust cell-based assays and in vitro disease models
• Culture and work with primary cells, particularly metabolically relevant models such as hepatocytes, adipocytes and pancreatic beta cells
• Assess cellular responses using techniques including RT-qPCR, Western blot, ELISA, flow cytometry/FACS and imaging
• Establish functional assays relevant to metabolic biology, such as lipid metabolism, insulin signaling, inflammation, mitochondrial function and cellular stress
• Perform genetic or pharmacological target modulation using approaches such as siRNA, plasmids, viral vectors or CRISPR-Cas9, where required
• Independently plan experiments, analyze and interpret data, and troubleshoot technical challenges
• Maintain high-quality experimental documentation and communicate results in internal meetings
• Contribute to general laboratory activities and collaborate closely with other members of the scientific team

Qualifications

• PhD in metabolism, cell biology, physiology or a related field, ideally with research focused on metabolic disease
• Strong understanding of metabolic biology, with experience in areas such as obesity, MASH/MASLD or diabetes
• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture and primary cell models
• Demonstrate ability to establish, optimize and troubleshoot cell-based assays
• Experience with relevant molecular and cellular biology techniques, such as RT-qPCR, Western blot, ELISA, flow cytometry and/or imaging
• Experience with functional metabolic assays is highly desirable
• Experience with biologics, therapeutic target validation or genetic manipulation techniques is an advantage
• Strong experimental and problem-solving skills, with attention to quality and reproducibility
• Able to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team

What we currently offer

• People: We are an international and diverse team with talented and passionate people.
• Creativity: We offer an innovative and creative environment.
• Development: We support the individual development of our employees.
• Fun: From time-to-time we organise cool off-site summer and winter team events.
• Offices: Our well-equipped laboratories and offices are located at the Tech Park, a premier address for early-stage start-ups in Basel.
• Commuter Benefits: We support our employees tailored to their personal needs in commuting to work and offer parking facilities or a commuter contribution.
• Flexible Working: We support flexible working as appropriate.
• Christmas Closure: In addition to the 24 holidays per year, our offices/labs are closed between Christmas and New Year.
• Birthday Retreat: On top of that, your birthday is your personal holiday - our employees enjoy their birthday with a day off.
• Food: We like get-togethers during lunch time. Enjoy tasty, subsidised meals from our FELFEL food fridge.