Microscopy Innovation Platform (MIP) of the URPP Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning (URPP AdaBD)
Laboratory Technician or Research Assistant in Tissue Clearing, Immunostaining, and Light-Sheet Microscopy 40 %
Start of employment, temporary
The Microscopy Innovation Platform is a technology platform run by the University Research Priority Program (URPP) Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning (AdaBD). The Platform is also embedded within the research group of Prof. Fritjof Helmchen at the Brain Research Institute and the Center for Microscopy and Data Analysis (ZMB). We are an open-source initiative with the mission to make microscopy of cleared tissues available to every researcher who needs it. We develop custom light-sheet and multiphoton microscopes, provide documentation and instructions how to build and use them, and offer training and support for the users from UZH, USZ, and partner institutions who conduct their own biomedical research projects.
Your responsibilities
* clearing of biological tissues with the modern techniques
* performing immunostaining and staining of various tissues, such as mouse brains, bones, chicken embryos, human donor tissues.
* imaging of the samples with mesoSPIM light-sheet microscopes
* basic processing of imaging datasets (stitching, fusion, sharing)
* training the platform users about sample staining, clearing, mounting, and imaging.
* keeping up-to-date with the literature and establishing new clearing techniques
Your profile
Degree as Laboratory Technician with work experience in a research environment or BSc/MSc in Biomedical Sciences, Bioenginering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Organic Chemistry, or a related field.
Practical knowledge of basic laboratory techniques, such as pipetting, preparing solutions, chemical safety, and working with laboratory equipment.
Experience in tissue processing and immunohistochemistry techniques, such as tissue fixation, antibody selection, optimization, and validation.
Experience with fluorescence microscopy, including image acquisition and familiarity with software such as ImageJ/Fiji.
Attention to detail and responsible attitude to experiments, protocols, data, and bio-chemical safety.
Curiosity and experiment-driven mindset.
Good communication and project management skills.
Information on your application
The employment can be started from December 1-st 2025 or later, upon mutual agreement.
You will be employed by the University of Zurich in accordance with cantonal guidelines for a 40% position. The position is limited until 31 December 2028 according to the duration of the URPP AdaBD. A further extension of the platform after 2028 is planned, but depends on acquiring appropriate funding.
Please submit your application by
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
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
* Special conditions on hotel reservations
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
Location
Microscopy Innovation Platform (MIP) of the URPP Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning (URPP AdaBD)
Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
Further information
Questions about the job
Dr. Nikita Vladimirov
Manager of the Microscopy Innovation Platform (MIP)
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