Department of Quantitative Biomedicine

Lab Technician 80 - 100 %

Start of employment immediately

The Department of Quantitative Biomedicine combines biomedical research, with biotechnology, and computational biology to develop the foundations of next generation precision medicine. Within this environment, we are a research group aiming to understand the pathogenic mechanisms leading to two major neurodegenerative diseases: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Polymenidou Lab

Your responsibilities

We are looking for a technician who supports human (stem) cell culture and lab administration.

The technician will support the day-to-day operation of our research laboratory, contributing to routine laboratory activities and administrative tasks related to our research on human neurodegenerative diseases. The laboratory uses established cell lines, human stem cell cultures (iPSCs, NSCs), and iNets-our unique model of human neural networks (Hruska-Plochan et al., Nature, 2024).

The position will involve a range of routine laboratory activities, including supporting neural culture work and performing tasks such as aliquoting, medium preparation, and other basic laboratory procedures. Some work with established cell cultures will also be required, including routine handling, expansion, and banking of existing iPSC and NSC lines.

The role also includes laboratory administration and management tasks, such as ordering supplies, managing inventory, receiving and organizing materials, and supporting general laboratory organization.

The position is particularly suited to someone who enjoys working in an academic research laboratory, is comfortable with structured and repetitive routine tasks, and takes pride in keeping laboratory activities organized and running smoothly.

The successful candidate will have experience with molecular biology techniques and mammalian cell culture, including human cell lines. Experience with human iPSCs and/or neurons is not required but would be advantageous.

Additionally, experience with the following techniques would be an asset, but is not required:

• Long-term cell culture
• Immunofluorescence (IF) staining of fixed cells
• Basic handling of light microscopes
• Basic knowledge of cell and developmental biology

Your profile

Research technician diploma or Bachelor's/Master's in Biology/ Life sciences/ Biotechnologies/ Biochemistry. We are looking for someone with excellent organizational skills, the ability to work independently and with a friendly, helpful and open personality.

Language skills:

Proficiency in spoken and written English is required.

Computer skills:

General knowledge of the office package and google docs is required.

Information on your application

Please send a single PDF containing your cover letter and CV, including the contact information of at least two references via link below. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

What we offer

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
• Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH

Learning and Development

• Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
• Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

Food

• Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
• Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

Healthcare

• Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
• Free seasonal flu vaccinations
• Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

Discounts

• Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
• Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions

Conditions of Employment

• Policies of the UZH
• Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

International Services

• Support for people from outside Switzerland

Campuses

• Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
• Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

Location

Department of Quantitative Biomedicine

Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

Questions about the job

Dr. Takayuki Yasunaga Lab Manager

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!