Research Associate 100%

Starting from 1 November 2024 or as per agreement

How does life emerge from molecules and cells? This is the central question that motivates us. With curiosity and passion, we investigate the entire spectrum ranging from the atom to the organism. The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the world’s leading life sciences institutes. With 32 groups and 500 employees, we are a dynamic and international research community that has spawned many fundamental discoveries in biology and medicine as well as several Nobel Laureates. Become part of our community!

The van Nimwegen group at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel is looking for a permanent Research Associate with a focus on quantitative experimental biology to both pursue their own research interests and contribute to research projects in our lab.

Research in the wet lab of the van Nimwegen group revolves around single-cell gene regulation in bacteria, the functioning of gene regulatory networks on a genome-wide scale, and the evolution of gene regulation. Our lab has developed cutting-edge methods that combine microfluidics with time-lapse microscopy and automated image analysis to quantitatively track single-cell gene expression in controlled dynamic environments. In addition, we use approaches such as flow cytometry and in-lab evolution. A unique feature of our lab is its strong interaction between experimentalists and theoreticians in the lab, with many group members having backgrounds in theoretical physics or related quantitative fields. Experimental approaches pursued in the lab are often motivated by theoretical questions, involve sophisticated quantitative techniques, and are integrated with cutting-edge theoretical modeling of the data. An ideal candidate should feel at home and motivated within this lab culture.

Your position

You are expected to contribute to the research in the lab by pursuing your own research project (80%; under the supervision of senior researchers of the group in case of junior applicants). In addition, you are expected to spend some of your time (20%) with logistical responsibilities such as ordering and lab equipment maintenance. After settling in, you will have the opportunity to supervise junior researchers in the lab and are also expected to assist students and postdocs in designing experiments and instructing them in the core technologies used in the lab.

Your profile

You have a Master/PhD degree in Biology or a related topic.
The following skills are highly desired and you are expected to possess at least several of these:

• Microbiology including lab automation tools (plate reader, plate handling robot, etc.)
• Molecular biology, Bacterial genetics (in particular chromosomal integration)
• Cloning design (e.g. restriction / ligation, Gibson, Golden Gate, site-directed mutagenesis)
• Quantitative fluorescence microscopy
• Microfluidics
• Computational analysis of experimental data using command line tools (growth curves, titration assays, etc.)

Optional skills in Flow cytometry and Biochemistry (eg. protein extraction, protein gel, protein purification) would be appreciated. Experience with samples and stocks management, and/or lab data management is also a plus.

You should be proficient in spoken and written English. Most importantly, we seek somebody that resonates with the scientific questions and approaches taken in the lab and it is highly desired that you take initiative to actively engage with and contribute to the science pursued in the lab. Finally, you should be able to work efficiently both in collaboration with other lab members as well as on your own experimental projects.

We offer you

This position offers an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual to both pursue their own research and contribute to cutting-edge quantitative biology research within a well-funded environment which offers close collaboration with theorists.

The initial contract will be for one year (renewable) with the possibility of making it a permanent position.

For more information on the van Nimwegen Lab see https://biozentrum.unibas.ch/nimwegen/') and our list of publications at https://scholar.google.com/­citations?user=N24KB1wAAAAJ&hl=en')

Application / Contact

Please apply online: https://biped.biozentrum.unibas.ch/apply/­research-associate-­vannimwegen')
The application should include a brief personal statement, explaining how your qualifications and experience make you a good fit for this position, together with a full, up-to-date CV and contact details of at least 2 references.

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. Please note that only online applications via the application portal will be accepted. For general inquiries please send an email to: Write an email

www.unibas.ch')

In your application, please refer to myScience.ch and referenceJobID65183.