Postdoc in Glioblastoma Neurobiology and Neuron-Tumor Connectivity / Postdoc in Glioblastoma Neurobiology and Neuron-Tumor Connectivity

Postdoc Position in Glioblastoma Neurobiology and Neuron-Tumor Connectivity

100%, Basel, fixed-term

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for an exciting collaboration between the Bio Engineering Laboratory (Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel) and the University Hospital Heidelberg / German Cancer Research Center (Heidelberg, Germany).

Project Background

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most aggressive primary brain cancer in adults. Recent breakthroughs in cancer neuroscience have revealed that tumor cells integrate into neuronal circuits, forming functional synaptic connections that drive proliferation, invasion, and therapy resistance. This discovery opens new therapeutic avenues: pharmacological strategies targeting neuron-tumor crosstalk may slow disease progression where conventional treatments fail.

This project combines cutting-edge technologies to dissect these interactions: high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) for large-scale electrophysiology, spatial transcriptomic methods, and human iPSC-derived neuronal models. Building on our preliminary work using retrograde tracing and live-cell imaging to map GB-neuron connectivity, we aim to identify molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.

Job Description

As a postdoctoral researcher in this project, you will:

• Establish and characterize human neuron-tumor co-cultures using iPSC-derived neurons and patient-derived GB models on HD-MEAs.
• Perform longitudinal electrophysiological recordings to track how tumor invasion alters neuronal network activity at single-cell and population levels.
• Apply spatial transcriptomic techniques to map gene expression changes in tumor-connected versus unconnected neurons.
• Integrate functional and transcriptomic datasets to identify molecular mechanisms underlying GB-neuron interactions.
• Contribute to drug screening efforts targeting neuron-tumor connectivity.

Profile

• PhD in neuroscience, biology, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in cell culture, including primary neurons or iPSC-derived cells.
• Experience with electrophysiology (e.g., patch-clamp or MEA recordings).
• Track record of scientific productivity (publications in peer-reviewed journals).
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English.

Advantageous Qualifications

• Experience with cancer models or glioblastoma research.
• Familiarity with transcriptomic methods (RNA-seq, FISH, spatial transcriptomics).
• Programming skills for data analysis (Python, R, or MATLAB).

Workplace

Your workplace will be in a collaborative, international team at ETH Zurich's Basel campus, with access to state-of-the-art HD-MEA technology and microscopy facilities, in close partnership with a leading cancer neuroscience group in Heidelberg.

We Offer

• Full funding for a position (100%) for up to 3 years.
• A dynamic environment that fosters professional development while actively contributing to positive societal change.
• Numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, childcare, and attractive pension benefits.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working atmosphere in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Sustainability is a core value for us — we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application. Please apply online using the form below. Note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and transferring knowledge directly into society, we welcome over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries to an environment promoting independent thinking and inspiring excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.