Postdoc in Cancer Neuroscience

About the role

The Kim Laboratory at EPFL is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to study how neuronal activity and the physical tumor microenvironment cooperate to drive brain cancer progression. The project builds on recent findings that neuron-derived neuroligin-3 engages CSPG4, increases membrane tension and activates the mechanosensitive ion channel PIEZO1, promoting glioma proliferation. It aims to define the mechanochemical dialogue between the nervous system and cancer and to identify therapeutic vulnerabilities arising from this interaction.

Key responsibilities

• Investigate how tissue stiffness, extracellular matrix composition and mechanosensitive signaling proteins regulate neuron-glioma interaction and tumor proliferation.
• Work on mouse experiments, surgical procedures and primary neuron culture to support the expanding in vivo and ex vivo neuroscience program.

Required profile

• PhD in neuroscience, cancer biology, cell biology, molecular biology, bioengineering or a related field.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong research track record, including at least one first-author publication in a well-regarded peer-reviewed journal.
• Experience with stereotactic surgery, intracranial tumor models, acute brain-slice recordings, calcium imaging and cancer research is particularly valued.

Required skills

• Whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology (strongly required)
• Stereotactic surgery, intracranial tumor models, acute brain-slice recordings and calcium imaging (valuable)

What we offer

• Fully funded postdoctoral position for at least three years within an interdisciplinary project supported by substantial preliminary data.
• Opportunities to develop an independent research direction, access state-of-the-art EPFL facilities and international collaborations.
• Closer mentorship in experimental design, manuscript preparation, fellowship applications and career development.

Contract starts on 01.10.2026 or flexible; fixed-term contract of one year renewable, 100% activity rate. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and must be submitted through the online platform.