BIPED2 Application Portal

The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the leading life sciences institutes in the world. It consists of 32 groups and 500 employees that research how molecules and cells create life, spanning the scale from atom to organism. Founded in 1971, the Biozentrum has been the birthplace of many fundamental discoveries in biology and medicine, spawning several Nobel Laureates.

We are looking to recruit a highly motivated PhD student for a collaborative project between the labs of Michael N. Hall and Timm Maier focused on mechanistic studies of mTOR signalling and metabolic regulation. We combine structural biology research, primarily based on cryo electron microscopy, with cellular approaches of analysing and perturbing growth regulation.

For an overview of recent research in our teams, see Maier Lab and Hall Lab research overviews. For more information, visit @MaierLab on Twitter

Your profile

Candidates should have a recent Master degree in Biology or related fields and must be proficient in written and spoken English. Hands-on research experience in molecular, cellular or structural biology at a state-of-the-art level is required. Knowledge in scripting or programming in a Linux environment or prior experience in mammalian cell culture are valuable assets. Applicants can be of any nationality, but must not have resided for more than 12 months prior to starting the position in Switzerland. Latest starting date for this position is May 2020.

We offer

The Maier and Hall Labs provide an outstanding environment for interdisciplinary and collaborative research. Excellent core facilities at Biozentrum offer access to a wide range of experimental techniques for modern biology. In-depth training and local access to high-end instruments and computing facilities for cryo electron microscopy is offered. We are dedicated to excellence in research & education and provide outstanding training and career development support for PhD students.

Basel is an international city with people from 150 nations. Located on the border where three countries meet - Switzerland, Germany, France - it is Europe’s most important life sciences hub. Basel provides a high standard of living and a rich and varied cultural atmosphere.

Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. Informal inquiries via e-mail to timm.maier@unibas.ch are welcome.

Starting immediately or as per agreement

The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the leading life sciences institutes in the world. It consists of 32 groups and 500 employees that research how molecules and cells create life, spanning the scale from atom to organism. Founded in 1971, the Biozentrum has been the birthplace of many fundamental discoveries in biology and medicine, spawning several Nobel Laureates.

The Research IT technology platform is the primary contact point for scientific IT projects at the Biozentrum. Our group supports scientists and staff of the Biozentrum with expertise, services and custom software development. We facilitate management and analyses of research data and provide ICT tools to facilitate digital collaboration and communication in our research institute.

Your position

You will support the specific needs of the research groups and administrative units at the Biozentrum in collaboration with the other members of our team. You will be interacting with a variety of research groups tackling research questions at the forefront of life science research. Experience in Life Science research will thus be helpful in designing pragmatic and robust solutions for these challenges. Within the portfolio of the group, there is some flexibility to adapt your role to your specific skillset and expertise.

Your responsibilities

• Provide consulting and support on IT solutions for specific research or administrative requirements.
• Domain-specific consulting, support and training for research data management, including topics such as working with large data sets, Data Management Plans, FAIR data.
• Planning, design and operation of service infrastructure, such as software, web applications, databases for these specific requirements, possibly extending into software development, predominantly in Python and PHP.
• Provide analytical expertise to research projects where applicable, for instance in the field of bioinformatics analysis, big data, ML/AI.
• Active participation in ongoing Research IT projects, such as capturing requirements with users, developing scenarios and solutions, as well as occasional training.

Your profile

We are looking for an enthusiastic and goal-oriented person with a degree in Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology or Computer Science and relevant experience in a similar role in a research institution. Working in a highly dynamic academic environment inspires you. You enjoy working with wet lab scientists to provide solutions for their research projects and data. You embrace a service-oriented approach and take pride in helping to ensure a reliable infrastructure. You combine your expertise in life sciences, bioinformatics and/or ICT with outstanding analytical and collaborative skills to contribute to cross-functional projects. Good communication skills in English are required; knowledge of German is an asset.

We offer

The Biozentrum offers a cutting-edge research infrastructure, a highly international environment that provides numerous opportunities to acquire additional skills, and excellent working conditions. The position is initially for 2 years, with the possibility of permanent employment. Salary and benefits are according to University of Basel standards.

Application / Contact

Please apply online with a CV, letter of motivation, a summary of past projects you worked on and the name/address of three references. Please note that only online applications will be accepted.

Reviewing of applications will start on 3 February 2020 and continue until the position is filled.

Further information about Research IT: https://www.biozentrum.unibas.ch/researchit
For specific questions, feel free to contact Michael Podvinec, PhD, Head of Research IT (michael.podvinec@unibas.ch).

The Biozentrum offers Bachelor Students the opportunity to immerse themselves in real-life science projects. During the "Biozentrum Research Summer 2020" you will spend seven to nine weeks in a Biozentrum Research Group, perform original research under the guidance of experienced scientists and participate in an inspiring scientific and social program. The internship is open to Bachelor Students in Biology, Nanosciences, Chemistry, Physics, Computational Sciences and related fields.