Technician / Technicien(ne) - Mammalian Cell Culture & Immunoengineering — EPFL

Full description

Mission

The Molecular and Chemical Immunoengineering Group at EPFL develops molecular technologies to understand and engineer immune recognition and signaling. Our research combines protein engineering, chemical biology, molecular biology, and cell-based approaches to study T-cell recognition, post-translationally modified antigens, and synthetic immune-receptor signaling.

To support our expanding experimental program, we are seeking a motivated and experienced laboratory technician with strong expertise in mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays. The successful candidate will work closely with postdoctoral researchers and students across several projects and will play an important role in establishing robust and reproducible cell-based experimental workflows in the laboratory.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Mammalian cell culture: Maintain and expand mammalian cell lines, including routine culture, freezing, thawing, cell banking, and quality control.
• Cell-based assays: Perform routine signaling and functional assays, including stimulation experiments, dose-response and time-course assays, cell viability and proliferation measurements.
• Flow cytometry: Perform sample preparation, staining, acquisition, and basic analysis for flow cytometry and phospho-flow experiments.
• Cell engineering: Carry out transient transfection and lentiviral transduction and assist with the generation and maintenance of engineered stable cell lines.
• Primary immune-cell work: Assist with isolation, culture, stimulation, and analysis of primary human immune cells, particularly T cells, when required.
• Molecular biology support: Perform routine cloning, plasmid preparation, PCR, sequencing preparation, and related molecular biology procedures.
• Experimental support: Work closely with researchers to establish standardized protocols and perform routine or repeated experiments supporting ongoing research projects.
• Laboratory organization: Maintain cell stocks, reagents, inventories, and experimental records; assist with ordering and general laboratory organization.
• Safety and compliance: Ensure adherence to EPFL biosafety guidelines and laboratory procedures and contribute to maintaining a safe and well-organized working environment.
• Equipment maintenance: Assist with routine maintenance and coordination of servicing for relevant laboratory equipment.

Profile

Required qualifications

• BSc, MSc, CFC/EFZ, or equivalent training in biology, biotechnology, bioengineering, immunology, or a related life science field.
• At least two years of hands-on laboratory experience in an academic, clinical, or industrial research environment.
• Strong practical experience with mammalian cell culture.
• Experience with standard molecular and cell biology techniques.
• Experience with flow cytometry.
• Experience with viral transduction, transient transfection, and generation of stable cell lines.
• Careful and reproducible experimental work with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple routine workflows in parallel.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with researchers in an international and multidisciplinary team.
• Good command of English.

Desirable qualifications

• Experience with isolation, thawing, culture, and handling of human PBMCs and primary T cells is a strong advantage.
• Experience with immune-cell activation, stimulation, and functional assays.
• Familiarity with phospho-flow cytometry or reporter cell systems.
• Experience with protein-based assays such as ELISA, Western blotting, or related biochemical techniques.
• Experience with molecular cloning and recombinant DNA techniques.
• Familiarity with automated or high-throughput experimental workflows.
• French language skills are an advantage but are not required.

We offer

• A stimulating position at one of the world’s leading research universities.
• A dynamic, international, and collaborative working environment at the interface of molecular immunology, protein engineering, and chemical biology.
• The opportunity to contribute to multiple cutting-edge research projects in immune recognition and synthetic immune signaling.
• Close interaction with scientists from diverse backgrounds and access to EPFL’s state-of-the-art research and core facilities.
• Opportunities for professional development, including technical and language training courses.
• Family-friendly policies and flexible work arrangements supporting work–life balance.

Informations

Contract Start Date: As soon as possible (negotiable)

Activity Rate: 50–100% (negotiable)

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 1 year, renewable

Workplace: EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland

Application materials: CV, short motivation letter, and contact information for 2–3 references

For additional information please contact: Dr. Aerin Yang ([email protected])

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