Postdoctoral Researcher in Leukemia Immunology and Metabolism at the University of Basel – Switzerland

Summary

The Department of Biomedicine at the University of Basel is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Blood Cancer Biology and Immunotherapy Group led by Professor Petya Apostolova. Funded by an ERC Starting Grant project titled 'LIFE', the position focuses on investigating how cellular metabolism influences leukemia persistence, immune evasion, and anti-leukemia immunity. Key responsibilities include designing and conducting mechanistic in vivo animal studies, establishing experimental methodologies, analyzing multi-omics data, and mentoring PhD and MSc students. Applicants must hold a PhD in cancer biology, immunology, molecular biology, or a related field, alongside substantial practical experience in mouse tumor models, spectral flow cytometry, and molecular biology. The initial appointment is for one year starting February 1, 2027, with potential extension. Applications are submitted online via the university portal.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Biomedicine (DBM)
Position Type	Postdoc
Discipline	Cancer Biology / Immunology / Hematology
Research Area	Leukemia Immunology and Metabolism
Degree Required	PhD
Experience	Substantial practical experience with in vivo mouse tumor models, preferably involving hematological cancers, and extensive hands-on experience with spectral flow cytometry and molecular biology.
Funding	European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant project LIFE
Contract Duration	One year, with the possibility of extension and a long-term perspective
Language	English
Required Documents	Curriculum Vitae (CV) including publication list, Most important original research publication, Statement of research experience, scientific interests, and motivation, Contact details for two to three references
Employer Address	Basel, Switzerland

About the Project

Funded by an ERC Starting Grant project named LIFE, the research investigates how cellular metabolism impacts leukemia persistence, immune evasion, and anti-leukemia immunity. The project explores metabolic adaptations under therapeutic pressure and aims to target bioactive lipids to improve outcomes in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and interpret mechanistic experiments, including in vivo animal studies.
• Establish and adapt experimental methods to address emerging research questions.
• Analyze, interpret, and present scientific findings.
• Develop collaborative research projects with interdisciplinary teams.
• Mentor PhD and MSc students.
• Contribute to scientific manuscripts, research meetings, and grant applications.
• Investigate leukemia biology, tumor immunology, and cellular metabolism using advanced experimental approaches.

Required Skills

• PhD or equivalent degree in cancer biology, immunology, molecular biology, hematology, or a related discipline.
• Strong theoretical and experimental background in tumor biology and/or immunology.
• Substantial practical experience with in vivo mouse tumor models, preferably involving hematological cancers.
• Willingness to conduct animal experiments.
• Extensive hands-on experience with spectral flow cytometry and molecular biology.
• Strong record of experimental research, ideally including a high-quality first-author publication.
• Ability to independently design, conduct, and interpret mechanistic experiments.
• Excellent English communication skills.

Who Should Apply

Researchers holding a PhD in cancer biology, immunology, molecular biology, hematology, or a related discipline with strong experience in in vivo mouse tumor models, spectral flow cytometry, and molecular biology. Candidates should demonstrate an interest in taking ownership of a project focused on leukemia metabolism and immunology.

Benefits

• Access to advanced research infrastructure including flow cytometry, animal experimentation facilities, advanced microscopy, mass spectrometry, and single-cell technologies.
• Opportunities for scientific mentorship, career development, and intellectual independence.
• Collaborative and international research environment promoting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.

About the Employer

The Department of Biomedicine (DBM) is a joint venture between the University of Basel and the University Hospitals Basel, encompassing over 67 research groups and more than 800 employees across six locations in Basel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline for this position?

The application deadline is not specified in the job advertisement.

When is the start date for this position?

The anticipated start date is February 1, 2027, or another date agreed upon by mutual agreement.

What degree is required to apply?

Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent degree in cancer biology, immunology, molecular biology, hematology, or a related discipline.

How long is the initial contract?

The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension and a long-term perspective.