Project background
Glioblastoma (GB) is the most aggressive primary brain cancer in adults. Recent breakthroughs in cancer neuroscience have revealed that tumor cells integrate into neuronal circuits, forming functional synaptic connections that drive proliferation, invasion, and therapy resistance. This discovery opens new therapeutic avenues: pharmacological strategies targeting neuron-tumor crosstalk may slow disease progression where conventional treatments fail.
This project combines cutting-edge technologies to dissect these interactions: high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) for large-scale electrophysiology, spatial transcriptomic methods, and human iPSC-derived neuronal models. Building on our preliminary work using retrograde tracing and live-cell imaging to map GB-neuron connectivity, we aim to identify molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
Job description
As a postdoc in this project, you will:
* Establish and characterize human neuron-tumor co-cultures using iPSC-derived neurons and patient-derived GB models on HD-MEAs
* Perform longitudinal electrophysiological recordings to track how tumor invasion alters neuronal network activity at single-cell and population levels
* Apply spatial transcriptomic techniques to map gene expression changes in tumor-connected versus unconnected neurons
* Integrate functional and transcriptomic datasets to identify molecular mechanisms underlying GB-neuron interactions
* Contribute to drug screening efforts targeting neuron-tumor connectivity
Profile
* PhD in neuroscience, biology, bioengineering, or a related field
* Strong background in cell culture, including primary neurons or iPSC-derived cells
* Experience with electrophysiology (e.g., patch-clamp or MEA recordings)
* Track record of scientific productivity (publications in peer-reviewed journals)
* Excellent communication skills and fluency in English
Advantageous:
* Experience with cancer models or glioblastoma research
* Familiarity with transcriptomic methods (RNA-seq, FISH, spatial transcriptomics)
* Programming skills for data analysis (Python, R, or MATLAB)
We offer
* Funding: Full position (100%) for up to 3 years
* Environment: A collaborative, international team at ETH Zurich\'s Basel campus with access to state-of-the-art HD-MEA technology and microscopy facilities
* Collaboration: Close partnership with a leading cancer neuroscience group in Heidelberg
* Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
* You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits
We value diversity and sustainability
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
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