Post-doctoral fellow

In order to strengthen its team, the laboratory of prof. D. Merkler (part of Department of Pathology and Immunology of the University of Geneva) and affiliated to the Department of Clinical Pathology and University Hospital of Geneva Switzerland), is looking for a full-time

Post-doctoral fellow.

The research of the laboratory, located at the CMU, is focused on immunological processes during infectious and autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system. In the proposed project, the postdoctoral fellow will combine in vivo phenotyping and functional assays with bioinformatical approaches, molecular biology, biochemistry and high-resolution imaging to unravel molecular and cellular events occurring between phagocytes and neurons in the context of neuroinflammation.

Qualifications /requested profile :

The candidate should hold a PhD in immunology, biochemistry, or related field obtained since less than 5 years and have a strong interest for autoimmune and infectious diseases, with strong background in neuroimmunology. The ideal candidate should thus have experience in the methodology used for immunological research (e.g. flow cytometry, cellular in vitro and in vivo assays, knowledge in transcriptomic and epigenetic analysis (RNASeq, ChIP-Seq, ATAC-Seq etc.) and in vivo experimental model systems). In addition, knowledge in histology and image analysis would be considered as a plus.

Upon an initial introduction period into the lab-related methodologies, the Post-doctoral fellow will be embedded in a team and expected to take a leading role in the ambitious research project on which he/she will be assigned. He/she is expected to work in a collaborative manner and show high-capacity to accurately plan, perform, design and analyze research experiments and should show good communication and writing skills in order to present results to the scientific community. It will also be expected from the Post-doctoral fellow to actively participate in the new staff members’ training, both at the graduate & postgraduate level.

Research environment:

The University of Geneva (UNIGE) offers competitive remuneration conditions. Geneva is an international city occupying a privileged geographical situation with its beautiful lake and the close-by Alps. State-of-the-art laboratories and equipment are provided.

Selected recent publications:

Vincenti, I et al. Science Transl Med (2022) Page, N. et al. Nat. Communication (2021) Page, N. et al. Immunity (2018)

Di Liberto, G. et al. Cell (2018)

Steinbach, K. et al. Science Transl Med (2019)

Application deadline:

April 30, 2024

Starting date:

July 1, 2024 or date to be agreed upon.

Contact and application:

For any information with regard to this position, please contact ilse.jonker@unige.ch

Applications should be processed online (UNIGE website) and should include a cover/motivation letter, a Curriculum Vitae including publications and both scientific achievements and interests as well as 2 to 3 references, copies of degrees/diplomas obtained.

Further information:

Institution: University of Geneva, faculty of medicine 

Section / Division: Section of fundamental medicine 

Position: Post-doctoral employee

Funding period: The position will be financed for a period of 3 years (i.e. validated through 3 annual consecutive contracts).

Place of work: CMU (Centre médical universitaire) – Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland – Department of Pathology and Immunology | PATIM