Job Description

The Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE) is a non-profit research organization dedicated to the advanced study of immunological systems. Our mission is to develop translational solutions for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Flow Cytometry Scientist/Expert to join our developing Flow Cytometry Core Facility. This is an exciting opportunity to help establish a state-of-the-art facility from the ground up, playing a critical role in supporting cutting-edge immunology research and flagship platforms across the BIIE.

Tasks

• Experimental Consultation & Planning: Provide expert guidance to BIIE users on experimental design, including control planning, statistical power (N values), and the optimization of sample preparation and staining protocols.
• Technical Expertise & Instrumentation: Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot diverse flow cytometry and cell sorting systems; lead the testing and validation of new high-end equipment.
• Diverse Sample Handling: Demonstrate expertise in analyzing and sorting a wide range of sample types, including yeast libraries, bacteria, and primary BSL2 samples.
• Training & Education: Develop and deliver comprehensive training modules on various flow cytometry analyzers and sorters.
• Data Analysis & Troubleshooting: Provide high-level support for data analysis and technical troubleshooting for BIIE research groups.
• Facility Development: Contribute to the strategic growth and visibility of the core facility. This includes defining user requirements, evaluating new instrumentation, and implementing digital booking and management systems.

Requirements

• Education: A PhD or equivalent independent research experience in Immunology, Cell Biology, or a related field.
• Experience: Significant hands-on experience with both conventional and spectral flow cytometry platforms and cell sorting.
• Adaptability: Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent workflows and prioritize tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Mindset: A service-oriented mindset with excellent written and oral communication skills for teaching and vendor relations.
• Proactive Problem Solving: Ability to anticipate user needs and resolve emerging technical issues promptly.
• Empathy: Ability to maintain clear, consistent communication while understanding the high-pressure environment of scientific research.

Qualifications preferred:

• Expertise in multicolor spectral panel design and high-parameter data analysis.
• Familiarity with Benchling or similar electronic lab notebooks/LIMS.
• An engineering mindset with the motivation to perform hands-on hardware troubleshooting.
• Cross-cultural communication skills and a general scientific "out-of-the-box" curiosity.

Benefits

The BIIE provides a cutting-edge research infrastructure within a highly international environment.

• Excellent Working Conditions: Competitive salary and benefits (incl. generous pension fund contributions, half-fare travelcard/Halbtax).
• Growth: Numerous opportunities for professional training and development.
• Impact: A chance to support global health research and medical advancements for underserved communities.

Location/Workload: The position starts as early as September 15th (or by agreement) with a 60% workload based at the D-BSSE, ETH Zurich (Basel). The workload will increase to 100% upon the BIIE’s move to its new headquarters at the Switzerland Innovation Park in Allschwil.