Postgraduate Intern in Cellular Crosstalk in Organoid Systems (Male / Female)

Position Available: Postgraduate Intern in the Hausmann Group

The intestinal mucosa serves as a crucial barrier between our bodies and the external environment. It is crucially permeable to essential nutrients while providing protection against microbial translocation, which is vital for maintaining health. A delicate balance among the intestinal epithelium, immune cells in the underlying tissues, and the intestinal microbiota is essential for intestinal homeostasis. Disruption of this balance can lead to various diseases, including infections, metabolic disorders, and chronic inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease.

The Hausmann group, led by Dr. Annika Hausmann (SNSF Ambizione group leader), focuses on elucidating the interactions among these key players to sustain intestinal homeostasis, with a particular emphasis on the intestinal epithelium. We utilize cutting-edge in vitro organoid models, omics techniques, and bioengineering approaches to explore cellular communication in the intestinal mucosa under both homeostatic and inflammatory conditions.

About the Position

We are seeking a talented Postgraduate Intern for a 9-12 month engagement, contributing at a capacity of 50-70%. The Hausmann group operates within the Mucosal Immunology lab, led by Prof. Emma Slack at ETH Zürich, part of the Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health under the Department for Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST). Our multidisciplinary team consists of engineers, materials scientists, biochemists, and biologists dedicated to addressing critical societal challenges related to microbiota-associated and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have completed their MSc studies, possess high intrinsic motivation, and demonstrate a passion for conducting research within an interdisciplinary team while also being able to work independently. Candidates should have experience in at least two of the following areas; additional experience is highly advantageous:

• Organoid culture or other cell culture techniques
• Mucosal immunology
• Bioengineering (hydrogels, microfluidics)
• Genetic engineering
• Metabolism
• Microbiology

Our diverse and multinational team values strong communication skills and fluency in English.

What We Offer

As a member of the Hausmann group, you will benefit from:

• Regular group and one-on-one meetings
• The opportunity to lead your research project with a high degree of autonomy
• Engagement in collaborative research projects both within and outside the team
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant research network in microbiology, immunology, and epithelial cell biology at ETH and UZH
• A variety of stimulating seminars, both internal and external

If you believe you meet the qualifications for this exciting role, we encourage you to apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Further Information

For more details about the Hausmann group, please visit our website: http://annikahausmannlab.com/. For inquiries regarding the position, please reach out to Dr. Annika Hausmann at Show e-mail.ch">Show e-mail (no applications, please).

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For recruitment services, the GTC of ETH Zurich applies.