Postdoc / Senior Research associate in biophysical characterization of Immune cell activation (100%)

• 09 September 2026
• 100%
• Indefinite duration
• English (Fluent)
• Hofackerstrasse 30, 4132 Muttenz

Postdoctorate / Senior researcher in biophysical characterization of immune cell activation (100%) #

FHNW School of Life Sciences, Institute of Chemistry and Bioanalysis ##

Teaching, research and practice - we connect

Your tasks ###

We are looking for a motivated and curious postdoctorate or an experienced researcher passionate about quantitative data analysis in the fields of immunology, microscopy and biophysics. In this role, you will contribute to fundamental work on the cellular and molecular characterization of the heterogeneity of immune cell receptor signaling by applying biophysics to living cells. Building on our previous findings showing that focal molography can be used to study immunological receptors on living cells, you will study immune cell activation. The project will combine focal molography, microscopy and immunological cell biology. This interdisciplinary position offers the rare opportunity to work closely with Lino Biotech, the developer of focal molography, and Miltenyi Biotec, as part of a collaboration supported by Innosuisse funding.

• Develop and perform cell assays for immune cell activation on focal molography and fluorescence microscopy
• Develop and perform assays using fluorescence microscopy to study cellular heterogeneity
• Quantitative data analysis and modeling (Python) of interactions and time-lapse microscopy data, including data from the microscope and focal molography
• Adapt and transfer existing cell assays to clinically relevant primary human cells
• Supervise Bachelor and Master students
• Contribute to project management

The position is fully funded for an initial period of 18 months, with the possibility of extension.

Your profile ###

• PhD in biophysics, cell biology, bioengineering or a related field
• Strong programming skills in Python (or R) for quantitative data analysis, particularly segmentation and image analysis of microscopy and time-lapse series
• In-depth expertise in microscopy (fluorescence/live cells) and quantitative image analysis
• Experience with immune cells
• Practical experience with label-free biophysical/biosensing methods (e.g., BLI, SPR or similar) is a plus
• Experience in protein biochemistry, cell culture and generation of reporter cell lines
• Team spirit, enjoying working in an interdisciplinary team
• Enjoys developing and implementing new approaches in a collaborative and open environment
• Proficiency in English (oral and written)
• Knowledge of German would be an asset

Your prospects: ###

The FHNW School of Life Sciences offers state-of-the-art technical, laboratory and office facilities. Collaboration with a large number of companies and institutions in Switzerland and abroad, a varied program of scientific events and daily contact with young students in research and teaching contribute to a highly motivating, unparalleled working environment. FHNW is also committed to equal opportunities and work-life balance.

Your benefits: ###

Wide choice of university sports

Cultural program of lectures, concerts, theater and films

Established implementation of equal pay

Targeted promotion of doctoral projects

Annual working time (42 hours/week) with option for part-time work and teleworking

Mentoring program for career development

Start date: immediately.

Apply online

Your workplace

Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW

Hofackerstrasse 30

4132
Muttenz

Questions?

About the position:

Prof. Dr Dominik Meinel, research group leader, Contact: +41 26 228 62 56

About the recruitment process:

Cristina Kabas, HR manager, Contact: +41 61 228 54 02

Will you soon be part of our team? We look forward to receiving your application.

www.fhnw.ch/en/about-fhnw/schools/lifesciences