The Laboratory of Biomedical Microfluidics (LBMM) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) is inviting applications for a fully funded Postdoctoral Position. This project focuses on developing highly multiplexed, microfluidic RNAseq-based screening systems to establish optimal T-cell expansion protocols for cancer immunotherapy. Conducted in close collaboration with the George Coukos Lab at the AGORA Cancer Research Center, the project bridges advanced microtechnologies with clinical translational immunology.
Overview of the Position
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Fellow |
| Research Area | Biomedical Microfluidics, NGS, Cell Biology, Cancer Immunotherapy (T-cell expansion) |
| Host Institution | EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne), LBMM |
| Location | Lausanne, Switzerland |
| Contract Type | Full-time (100% Activity Rate), Fixed-term (CDD) – 1 year, renewable |
| Application Deadline | Open until filled (Applications reviewed on a rolling basis) |
Project Background & Research Area
For more than two decades, EPFL’s LBMM has pioneered technology platforms at the intersection of microfluidics, biomedicine, and genomics, creating successful spin-offs and clinical tools. In this interdisciplinary project, the postdoctoral fellow will leverage and repurpose existing high-throughput microfluidic platforms to establish protocols that enable the rapid expansion of cancer-specific, autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) for direct clinical translation.
The researcher will work across EPFL’s tech development facilities and the AGORA Cancer Research Center, benefiting from patient samples and a broad network of international clinical collaborators.
Job Description & Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will lead the experimental development and execution of the screening project in collaboration with bioinformaticians and microfluidics experts. Key responsibilities include:
- Optimizing biochemical and droplet-microfluidic workflows for high-throughput single-cell or multiplexed screening.
- Designing and developing miniaturized T-cell expansion assays, including feeder-cell co-culture systems.
- Preparing Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) libraries and running sequencing platforms.
- Analyzing and interpreting high-dimensional transcriptomic datasets in coordination with institutional bioinformatics facilities.
- Collaborating with cross-functional research teams, clinical scientists, and industry partners.
- Drafting research manuscripts, presenting findings at international conferences, and contributing to ongoing technology transfer.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Candidates must possess the following qualifications and professional attributes:
- Education: Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Laboratory Skills: Proven hands-on track record in cell biology techniques, mammalian cell culture, and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation.
- Domain Knowledge: Strong theoretical and practical foundation in T-cell biology, T-cell expansion, or adoptive cell therapy.
- Desirable Experience: Prior experience with microfluidic systems (e.g., droplet microfluidics, 10x Genomics platform) is advantageous but not strictly mandatory.
- Soft Skills: Strong drive to innovate, self-motivation, high scientific rigor, and excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
What the Institution Offers
- Access to world-class microfabrication, sequencing, and translational cancer research infrastructure.
- A stimulating, multidisciplinary international research environment at one of Europe’s top-ranked universities.
- Direct exposure to translational clinical research and entrepreneurship/spinoff culture.
- Comprehensive career development tailored for trajectories in academia, pharma/biotech, or deep-tech startups.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply exclusively through the official EPFL online recruitment portal. Applications sent via direct email will not be considered.
Applicants must upload the following documentation:
- A Cover Letter outlining motivation, experience, and scientific interests (PDF, maximum 2 pages).
- A single consolidated PDF document containing:
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) including an updated publication list.
- A Research Statement detailing past achievements and research outlook (PDF, up to 3 pages).
- Contact details of three academic referees.
For informal scientific inquiries regarding the project, candidates may contact Prof. Christoph Merten at christoph.merten@epfl.ch.
The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected. Early application is strongly recommended.
Apply Link
Apply Online on the Official EPFL Careers Portal
