Junior Scientist / Junior Scientistess

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 over 50 highly experienced drug discovery and industry professionals, successfully building and operating multiple new companies. These companies have raised significant funding through Series B rounds, IPOs, and successful trade sales.

Job Opportunity: Junior Scientist / Scientist

We are seeking a Junior Scientist / Scientist for one of our seed companies, tasked with developing and executing cell-based assays in the field of metabolic diseases. This is a highly hands-on role, requiring at least 80% of your time to be spent in the laboratory. The ideal candidate is a recent PhD graduate or an early-career scientist who thrives in experimental work, assay development, and troubleshooting.

The position is offered on a fixed-term basis for approximately one year, with a start date as soon as possible (upon agreement). Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

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.
• Demonstrated 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 individuals.
• Creativity: We provide an innovative and creative working environment.
• Development: We support the individual development of our employees.
• Fun: We occasionally organize exciting 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 offer support tailored to employees' commuting needs, including parking facilities or a commuter contribution.
• Flexible Working: We encourage flexible working arrangements as appropriate.
• Christmas Closure: In addition to 24 holidays per year, our offices/labs are closed between Christmas and New Year.
• Birthday Retreat: Employees enjoy a day off on their birthday as a personal holiday.
• Food: We host lunchtime gatherings and provide tasty, subsidized meals from our FELFEL food fridge.

Please note that these benefits are subject to change at the company’s discretion and do not constitute a contractual entitlement.