Postdoc in Cancer Neuroscience — EPFL
- Location
- Lausanne
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- Yesterday
Role overview
Mission
Our laboratory develops and applies advanced molecular and optical technologies to study mechanisms of cell surface signaling, cancer neuroscience, and protein engineering, integrating molecular biology, cell biology, and systems neuroscience approaches.
To support our expanding in vivo and ex vivo neuroscience program, we are seeking a motivated and experienced technician to assist with mouse work, surgical procedures, and primary neuron culture.
- Mission
- Our laboratory develops and applies advanced molecular and optical technologies to study mechanisms of cell surface signaling, cancer neuroscience, and protein engineering, integrating molecular biology, cell biology, and systems neuroscience approaches.
- Main duties and responsibilities
- The Kim Laboratory at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) ( https://www.epfl.ch/labs/upkim/ ) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate how neuronal activity and the physical tumor microenvironment cooperate to drive brain cancer progression. The project
- We welcome applicants with a PhD in neuroscience, cancer biology, cell biology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field, together with excellent written and spoken English skills.
- We are seeking a highly motivated, intellectually curious, and collaborative candidate with strong expertise in whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology .
Main responsibilities
- Main duties and responsibilities
- The Kim Laboratory at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) ( https://www.epfl.ch/labs/upkim/ ) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate how neuronal activity and the physical tumor microenvironment cooperate to drive brain cancer progression. The project
- Brain tumors do not grow in isolation.
- Glioma cells form functional connections with neural circuits, respond to activity-dependent signals from neurons, and actively remodel the tumor microenvironment surrounding them.
- Our recent work identified a signaling pathway in which neuron-derived neuroligin-3 engages CSPG4, increases membrane tension, and activates the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO1, thereby promoting glioma proliferation.
- The successful candidate will build on this work to define the mechanochemical dialogue between the nervous system and cancer .
- The project will investigate how tissue stiffness, extracellular matrix composition, mechanosensitive signaling proteins regulate neuron–glioma interaction and tumor proliferation.
- The broader goal is to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities that arise from the interaction of tumor cells with their neuronal and physical microenvironment.
Key requirements
- We welcome applicants with a PhD in neuroscience, cancer biology, cell biology, molecular biology, bioengineering, or a related field, together with excellent written and spoken English skills.
- We are seeking a highly motivated, intellectually curious, and collaborative candidate with strong expertise in whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology .
- Experience with stereotactic surgery, intracranial tumor models, acute brain-slice recordings, calcium imaging, and cancer research would also be particularly valuable.
- Applicants should also demonstrate a strong research track record, including at least one first-author publication in a well-regarded peer-reviewed journal. We offer
- We offer a fully funded postdoctoral position for at least three years within a highly interdisciplinary project supported by substantial preliminary data.
Application process
- The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop an independent research direction, access state-of-the-art EPFL facilities and international collaborations, and receive close mentorship in experimental design, manuscript preparation, fellowship applications, and career development, all within a vibrant scientific environment in Lausanne on Lake Geneva. Informations
- Contract Start Date : 01.10.2026 or flexible Activity Rate : 100% Contract Type: CDD Duration: 1 year renewable Reference: 2354
- Only application submitted via the online platform will be considered.
- For additional information please contact Dr.
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
- The preferred starting date is flexible.
Contacts
- Yoon Kim ([email protected])
Additional details
- The Kim Laboratory at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) ( https://www.epfl.ch/labs/upkim/ ) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate how neuronal activity and the physical tumor microenvironment cooperate to drive brain cancer progression.
- Applicants should also demonstrate a strong research track record, including at least one first-author publication in a well-regarded peer-reviewed journal.
- The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop an independent research direction, access state-of-the-art EPFL facilities and international collaborations, and receive close mentorship in experimental design, manuscript preparation, fellowship applications, and career development, all within a vibrant scientific environment in Lausanne on Lake Geneva.
- Contract Start Date : 01.10.2026 or flexible Duration: 1 year renewable
Notes and original content
- The project
- Qualifications
- Informations
- Contract Start Date : 01.10.2026 or flexible
- Activity Rate : 100%
- Contract Type: CDD
- Duration: 1 year renewable
- Reference: 2354
Questions about this listing
What salary does EPFL offer for this role?
EPFL lists CHF 60'500 - 91'500 gross per year for this position in Lausanne. This is the salary published in the original listing (or, when the employer omits a figure, a realistic estimate for the role and sector) — the calculator on this site converts it to your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does EPFL offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with EPFL during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Vaud?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Vaud can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Vaud's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at EPFL?
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