Postdoctoral Researcher: Neurovascular Models for B-Cell Pathobiology in Multiple Sclerosis

About the role

A collaborative project between the Bio Engineering Laboratory (Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel) and Novartis Biomedical Research, Basel, is looking for a highly motivated engineering Postdoc to work in an international environment in Basel. The Postdoc will develop and apply human in vitro models of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to study mechanisms driving disease progression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The position is fully funded for 2.5 years with annual contract renewal.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and apply human in vitro BBB models to investigate mechanisms of disease progression in MS.
• Build on an established multicellular, flow-enabled human BBB platform by adding neuroimmune components such as microglia and human B cells, creating a disease-relevant neuroimmune model of progressive MS.
• Use the model to study B-cell trafficking, CNS compartmentalization, persistence and therapeutic depletion, and to evaluate next-generation brain-penetrant B-cell-depleting therapies.

Required profile

• Background in immunology, neuroimmunology, neuroscience, bioengineering, biotechnology or a related discipline.
• Fluent oral and written English; willingness to work in an interactive, collaborative international environment.
• Good communication skills and a proactive, self-driven attitude.
• Starting date flexible but before February 2027.

Required skills

• Experience with advanced in vitro models, BBB biology, complex cell culture systems, neuroinflammation or immune cell biology is highly desirable.
• Experience with human immune cells, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, molecular biology or transcriptomics is advantageous.

What we offer

• Full funding for 2.5 years with annual contract renewal.
• Public transport season tickets and car sharing.
• Sports offered by the university association, childcare and pension benefits.

Applications are made online only, with a motivation statement, academic transcripts, CV and two reference letters, by 15 December 2026.