Research / Lab Assistant (80%) in Vivo Systems Neuroscience and Neurodegeneration, University of Basel, Switzerland

Summary

The Department of Biomedicine at the University of Basel is seeking a Research / Lab Assistant (80% FTE) for a two-year fixed-term position within the Brain Ageing and Neurodegeneration group led by Prof. Marc Aurel Busche. The project focuses on how tau pathology disrupts neural circuit function in early Alzheimer's disease using mouse models, chronic electrophysiological recordings (Neuropixels), viral methods, and population activity analyses. Candidates must hold a valid certification for animal experimentation in Switzerland (LTK1 or equivalent) and have at least one year of hands-on rodent in vivo experience. Applications are accepted via the university's online recruiting platform. No application deadline is specified.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Biomedicine, Brain Ageing and Neurodegeneration
Position Type	Research / Lab Assistant
Discipline	Biomedicine / Neuroscience
Research Area	In Vivo Systems Neuroscience and Neurodegeneration
Experience	At least 1 year of hands-on experience with in vivo experiments in rodents
Funding	newly funded project
Contract Duration	2 years
Language	English
Required Documents	CV, Motivation letter, Contact details of 2 references
Employer Address	Basel, Switzerland
Employer Contact	Prof. Marc Aurel Busche, Brain Ageing and Neurodegeneration, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel

About the Project

The newly funded project investigates how tau pathology disrupts neural circuit function during the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. It integrates mouse behaviour, chronic multi-region electrophysiological recordings (Neuropixels), viral approaches, and analysis of large-scale neural population activity to determine how pathological changes arise and lead to cognitive decline.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform and support experimental procedures in mice, including stereotaxic surgeries and behavioural training
• Conduct chronic in vivo electrophysiological recordings in mice
• Support histological processing and sample preparation for ex vivo experiments
• Support the monitoring of animal welfare before, during, and after experimental procedures

Required Skills

• Valid certification to perform animal experiments in Switzerland (LTK1 or equivalent qualification)
• At least 1 year of hands-on experience with in vivo rodent experiments
• Experience with animal handling, welfare monitoring, and experimental documentation
• Experience with stereotaxic surgery in rodents
• Good communication skills in English

Who Should Apply

Candidates with at least one year of hands-on experience in rodent in vivo research, holding a Swiss LTK1 certification (or equivalent qualification) and good English communication skills. A background gained through a technical apprenticeship, veterinary technician training, or a relevant Bachelor's/Master's degree is suitable.

Benefits

• Training in advanced in vivo neuroscience techniques, including chronic Neuropixels recordings
• Opportunity to establish new experimental workflows and longitudinal studies
• International and collaborative research environment

About the Employer

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What animal experimentation certifications are required?

Applicants must hold a valid certification to perform animal experiments in Switzerland (LTK1 or equivalent qualification).

Is German required for this position?

English is required; the ability to communicate in German is listed as an advantage.

How should applications be submitted?

Applications must be submitted via the University of Basel online recruiting platform.