Postdoc - Drug Development for Alzheimer's Disease

University of Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

The Caflisch group at the Biochemistry department of the University of Zurich is looking for a Postdoc scientist to support its preclinical drug-discovery programme for Alzheimer's disease. The research group is a multidisciplinary environment: from computational molecular design, experimental biochemistry and laboratory biology, to in vivo compound validation. The background of the group members ranges from Physics and Chemistry to Biochemistry and Cellular Biology. The group is now optimizing the drug candidate for improved blood brain barrier penetration and better stability, efficacy, pharmacokinetic and safety profiles in in vitro and in vivo models.

Your responsibilities

The selected candidate will take a central role in the group's in vitro and in vivo drug-discovery programme. Responsibilities include: (i) setting up in vitro and in vivo blood brain barrier models in the lab and test drug candidates in such models using ELISA or LC-MS etc; (ii) processing brain tissue for histological and biochemical assays, including sectioning (cryostat/microtome), immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining, fluorescence/confocal imaging, quantitative large-batch image analysis, ELISA and western blot assays for brain homogenates; and (iii) supporting cell-based assays, including mammalian cell culture, microglial phagocytosis assays and flow cytometry (FACS). The candidate will also contribute to standard biochemical read-outs (e.g. ELISA, Western blot) and to the careful documentation of experimental data.

Your profile

• PhD degree in biology, neuroscience, biomedicine or a related field. Experience in drug discovery in neurodegeneration is a plus;
• Hands-on experience with blood brain barrier research including setting up in vitro and in vivo models, quantitative analysis of drug penetration. Experience with LC-MS is a strong advantage;
• Solid histology experience: tissue sectioning (cryostat and/or microtome), immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining, fluorescence/confocal microscopy and quantitative analysis of large image batches (e.g. ImageJ/Fiji, QuPath). Experience with staining and quantifying brain pathology (amyloid-β plaques, tau, neuroinflammation markers) is a plus;
• Cellular biology experience, in particular mammalian cell culture and flow cytometry / FACS (sample preparation, acquisition, gating and analysis). Experience with functional cell assays such as phagocytosis is an advantage;
• Careful, reliable and well-documented working style, the ability to work independently and organise large experimental cohorts, and a collaborative team spirit;
• Solid knowledge of English and good communication skills.