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EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

Postdoctoral Researcher in the Laboratory of Chemical Nanotechnology (Prof. Nako Nakatsuka)

Mission

The research focus of Blood-Based Biomarker Detection for Early Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis is centered on advancing the knowledge in the following domains:

  • Develop a high-throughput biosensing platform leveraging focal molography to quantify blood-based biomarkers in donor/human samples, enabling early detection decades before symptom onset.
  • Establish focal molography as a robust biosensing platform for detecting Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers in blood while acting as the bridge between academia, industry, and clinical partners. By the end of the two-year project, the goal is to implement this technology for high-throughput screening of clinical samples of patients.

We seek outstanding candidates working in biophysics, biochemistry, bioengineering, analytical chemistry, or a related field with interests in one of the following areas: demonstrated expertise in biosensing and molecular interaction studies.

Main duties and responsibilities

  • Lead the development and validation of the biosensing platform, optimizing detection of protein aggregates in patient-derived blood samples.
  • Execute project milestones and coordinate with industrial and clinical collaborators.
  • Conduct high-impact research, disseminating results through scientific publications and conferences.
  • Supervise and mentor PhD and Master’s students in the CHEMINA lab.
  • Be a pro-active member, contributor, and manager in the lab as a senior member of a new research group.

Profile

  • PhD (or nearing completion of) in biophysics, biochemistry, bioengineering, analytical chemistry, or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in biosensing and molecular interaction studies
  • Strong analytical capacity for solving problems and driving technological developments.
  • Skills of direct interest include experience with data analysis (Python), and protein assays for Alzheimer’s disease
  • Strong analytical skills, problem-solving capabilities, and project management experience.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
  • Sense of responsibility, motivation, drive, and team-oriented mindset.
  • Fluency in English (both oral and written expression).

We offer

  • Innovative Research Team: Join a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and international research group led by a young faculty invested in the growth of every member.
  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with leading academic and industrial partners at the intersection of chemistry, engineering, and neuroscience.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities and Creative Environment: Conduct research at the Campus Biotech, a neuroscience hub in Geneva with access to top-tier platforms for brain research.
  • Professional Development: Engage in mentorship, leadership, and teaching opportunities with a highly supportive and collaborative research team that values open science and communication.
  • Competitive salary and excellent working conditions – more information can be found on our website (https://www.epfl.ch/campus/services/human-resources/en/basic-starting-salary-of-doctoral-assistants-and-postdocs/)

Informations

Only applications submitted through the online platform are considered. 

You are asked to supply:

    A brief cover letter (pdf, up to 2 pages).

And in one PDF:

    A CV with a publication list.
    A research statement (pdf, up to 3 pages).
    Contact details for 3 referees.

For any further information, please contact: Nako Nakatsuka (nako.nakatsuka@epfl.ch)

 

Contract Start Date : As soon as possible

Activity Rate : 100.00 

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 1 year, renewable 

Reference: 1505 










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