Research Scientist in Neuroscience (In Vivo & In Vitro Studies)

About

As part of this 24-month collaboration at the University of Geneva, you will join a highly translational project at the forefront of medical technology. Fully supported by an InnoSuisse grant, this position offers the prestige of working within a world-class Faculty of Medicine to test a cutting-edge medical device. You will contribute directly to a therapy designed to improve the lives of children suffering from a rare neurodegenerative disease (Sanfilippo) with no cure available and early death.

Key Responsibilities

As the lead for hands-on execution under the supervision of the lab director, you will manage:

In Vivo Execution

• Planning and executing experiments using immunocompromised-genetically modified mouse model of Sanfilippo disease, including genetic testing and welfare management.

Behavioral testing

• Planning and executing behavioral testing in mice (cognitive and motor testing).

Surgical & Ex Vivo Analysis

• Performing surgery, intracardiac perfusions, and terminal tissue extraction.

Molecular Analysis

• Managing cell cultures (mouse/human fibroblasts), protein/gene analysis (Western blot, ELISA, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence), and enzymatic activity assays.

Project Oversight

• Reporting results at scheduled meetings and ensuring all readouts respect project deadlines, congress participation and article redaction.

Candidate Profile & Requirements

Academic & Technical Expertise

• Background: PhD in Neuroscience with neurodegeneration or brain development is preferable, Biotechnology, Physiology or similar. Alternatively, a Master’s Degree with 5+ years of independent animal experimentation experience.
• Research: 3+ years in neurodegeneration -ideally Lysosomal Storage Diseases (LSDs) and brain tissue analysis. Proven independency and high expertise in animal handling.
• Mouse Behavioral testing: Expert-level mastery is absolutely essential
• Surgical Skills: Stereotactic surgery, mastery of intracardiac perfusions and micro-dissection.
• Analytical Skills: Western blot, ELISA, RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence. Experience in chromatography is a plus.
• Disease Modeling (Ideal): Direct experience with neurodegenerative mouse models

Skills & Operations

• Execution: Highly autonomous, proactive, and capable of managing complex workloads.
• Communication: Fluent in English (Mandatory); French is an asset. Ability to present data clearly to institutional audiences. Excellent teamwork abilities.
• Ethics: A strong quality culture, discretion, and a commitment to animal welfare and research ethics.

Compliance

• Licensing: Must possess a Swiss Module 1 license (or international equivalent) or be prepared to obtain it immediately upon arrival.
• Eligibility: Must be eligible for a Swiss work permit (preferably EU).
• Start date: 1st September 2026 at the latest, but before is possible.

Letter of motivation, Full CV with bibliography and 2-3 references letters must be send by email

Deadline or application: 31 may 2026