Research Specialist in Computational Neuroscience and Data Analysis / Research Specialistess in Computational Neuroscience and Data Analysis

Join the Biozentrum at the University of Basel

The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the world's leading life sciences institutes. With 32 groups and 500 employees, we are a dynamic and international research community that has led to numerous fundamental discoveries in biology and medicine, in addition to several Nobel Laureates.

We are excited to announce the establishment of the Dietschy Facility for Tissue Science, a new core unit dedicated to the systematic investigation of individual cells within intact tissues. This facility will integrate state-of-the-art methodologies such as spatial transcriptomics, advanced microscopy, volumetric imaging, neuronal activity mapping, and multimodal data analysis, initially emphasizing neuroscience. To construct this interdisciplinary platform, we invite applications for three PhD-level Research Specialist positions:

• Microscopy and Spatial Transcriptomics Specialist
• Image Analysis Specialist
• Computational Neuroscience and Data Analysis Specialist (this position)

These positions will collaborate closely to support a broad user base across the Biozentrum. Become part of our vibrant community!

Your Role

This position entails the development and maintenance of data-processing pipelines for large-scale neuronal and behavioral datasets, including multi-day high-frequency recordings, fluorescence biosensor imaging, and behavioral pose estimation. The specialist will integrate multimodal datasets and apply advanced statistical and machine-learning methods to uncover the relationships among gene expression, neuronal activity, and behavior.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance pipelines for spike sorting, calcium imaging signal extraction, neuron tracking across recordings, and automated behavioral analysis.
• Develop efficient data storage, compression, and transfer systems suitable for large, long-duration experiments.
• Build comprehensive, user-friendly data-analysis workflows from preprocessing through visualization, and train researchers in their implementation.
• Integrate multimodal datasets (activity, behavior, spatial transcriptomics, proteomics) into unified analytical frameworks.
• Apply dimensionality reduction, clustering, latent-state models, and unsupervised learning to identify high-order structures in neural and molecular data.
• Conduct statistical modeling of temporal trajectories and population dynamics across thousands of neurons.
• Collaborate with microscopy and image-analysis specialists to ensure seamless interoperability across the facility.
• Provide consultation for research groups requiring guidance in the analysis of high-dimensional datasets.

Your Profile

• PhD in neuroscience, computational neuroscience, or related quantitative discipline (with a neuroscience background required).
• Strong expertise in neuronal data analysis (spike sorting, calcium imaging, long-term tracking).
• Experience in behavioral tracking and multimodal dataset integration.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, scientific computing, and pipeline development.
• Familiarity with machine learning, dimensionality reduction, clustering, and statistical modeling.
• Strong communication skills, interest in interdisciplinary work, and capability to train students and postdocs.

What We Offer

The Biozentrum provides a highly stimulating collaborative research environment with world-class infrastructure in a brand-new building, along with state-of-the-art technology platforms for cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. The position is fully funded, and the salary will be in accordance with institutional guidelines. Initially, the appointment is for two years, with the possibility of extension after a positive evaluation.

Basel is a cosmopolitan city that is home to people from 150 nations. Located at the crossroads of Switzerland, Germany, and France, it represents Europe's most important hub for life sciences, offering a high standard of living and a rich cultural atmosphere.

Application Process

Apply online using the form below. Please include:

• A cover letter describing relevant experience and interests
• A CV
• Contact information for three referees
• Examples of relevant work (e.g., publications, software, pipelines, imaging datasets).

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Application deadline: March 1, 2026

For any informal inquiries, please contact: alex.schier@unibas.ch