Postdoctoral Researcher – Next-Generation CAR Immune Cell Therapies Against Malignant Brain Tumors (ERC-funded), — Universität Zürich
- Location
- Zürich
- Contract
- Full-time
- Posted
- 80 days ago
Full description
Department for Neurology
Start of employment September 1, 2026, or by arrangement
The Laboratory for Molecular Neuro-Oncology at the University of Zurich is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join an ERC-funded project developing next-generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immune cell therapies against malignant brain tumors.
What we Offer
- A fully funded postdoctoral position within a prestigious ERC-funded project
- Access to cutting-edge engineering, screening, and profiling platforms
- An interdisciplinary and collaborative environment at the forefront of cancer, immunology, and neuroscience
- Opportunities to engage with translational and clinical research
- Mentorship from leaders in the field and full support for a successful career in academia or in the entrepreneurial space
Background
Malignant primary brain tumors remain among the most challenging tumor types to treat. Cancer immunotherapies hold revolutionary potential, and our group has pioneered multiple immunotherapeutic approaches against brain cancer, including tumor-targeted cytokine therapies (Weiss et al., Science Translational Medicine 2020
- Look et al., Science Translational Medicine 2023) and engineered immune cell therapies (Sun et al., Science Translational Medicine 2025), leveraging sophisticated in vitro and in vivo models and cutting-edge technologies. Our team also has a strong track record of translating preclinical innovation into patient care.
Project Description
In this ERC-funded project, the successful candidate will develop the next generation of immune cell therapies. Building on our established ex vivo and in vivo engineering platforms, sophisticated single-cell and spatial technologies, disease models, and patient samples, the project aims to further develop multifunctional, multi-immune-cell strategies for the treatment of malignant brain tumors.
Your responsibilities
Specific project goals
- Generate CAR immune cell communities, comprising mixtures of engineered T cells, NK cells, monocytes, and additional cell types, using sophisticated in vitro and in vivo engineering platforms.
- Identify co-factors that boost CAR immune cell function using cutting-edge screening platforms.
- Investigate anti-tumor activity and immune-cancer-cell environmental crosstalk in vitro and in vivo using sophisticated disease models (organoids, slice cultures, patient-derived samples, mouse models) and modern technologies including flow cytometry, multiplexed imaging, spatial transcriptomics/proteomics and single-cell profiling.
- Analyze patient samples from an accompanying clinical trial evaluating CAR immune cell communities.
Your profile
- Intellectual curiosity, creativity and a proactive approach to problem-solving
- Motivation to contribute to a project with direct patient impact
- PhD in immunology, computational immunology, cell/molecular/cancer biology, bioengineering, biomedical sciences, or a related field
- Experience with immune cell engineering, cellular immunotherapy, and/or advanced in vitro/in vivo disease models is highly desirable
- Familiarity with single-cell and/or spatial technologies is a plus
- Strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to thrive in an interdisciplinary team
What we offer
Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. Find out more: https://www.uzh.ch/de/explore/work.html.
What we offer
Work-Life Balance
- Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
- Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH
More Learning and Development
- Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
- Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich
Food
- Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
- Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution
Healthcare
- Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
- Free seasonal flu vaccinations
- Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower
Discounts
- Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
- Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
Conditions of Employment
- Policies of the UZH
- Most UZH staff are employed according to public law
International Services
- Support for people from outside Switzerland
Campuses
- Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
- Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More
Questions about this listing
What salary does Universität Zürich offer for this role?
The original listing does not state a salary. Our estimate for this role and sector in Zürich is CHF 91'500 - 128'000 gross per year — an estimate, not a figure communicated by Universität Zürich. The calculator on this site converts a gross salary into 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 Universität Zürich 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 Universität Zürich 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 Zürich?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Zürich 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 Zürich's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
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