Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcher

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 postdoc 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:

• 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 at ETH Zurich's Basel campus, a collaborative environment with an international team and state-of-the-art technology and microscopy facilities.

We Offer

• Funding: Full position (100%) for up to 3 years.
• Environment: A supportive and innovative atmosphere at ETH Zurich.
• Collaboration: Work closely with a leading cancer neuroscience group in Heidelberg.
• Impact: Participate in meaningful research that contributes positively to society.
• Benefits: Enjoy various benefits including public transport season tickets, childcare options, and attractive pension plans.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

At ETH Zurich, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, embrace diversity, and nurture a professional environment where the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected. Learn more about our commitment to sustainability and how we are working toward a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. We look forward to receiving your application by February 28th, 2026.

Further information about the Bio Engineering Laboratory can be found on our website. For more details about the position, please contact exclusively via e-mail: manuel.schroeter@bsse.ethz.ch

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for excellence in education and cutting-edge research, we foster an environment that encourages independent thinking and inspires excellence among over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries. Located in the heart of Europe, we are dedicated to developing solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.