Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Researcher

Job description

The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Geneva offers a dynamic and multicultural environment dedicated to excellence in research and teaching. In close connection with the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), the faculty encourages collaborative and translational research at the intersection of medicine and innovation.

We are looking for a

Full-time Postdoctoral Researcher

in cancer molecular biology and preclinical models

motivated to join Professor O. Michielin’s laboratory, under the supervision of Dr Laia Simo-Riudalbas. The successful candidate will participate in a cutting-edge translational research project focused on cancer molecular biology and preclinical models.

Project overview
The postdoctoral researcher will participate in leading an innovative translational project on the ROCK-POU5F1B axis in colorectal cancer (CRC). He/she will evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting the human-specific oncoprotein POU5F1B using ROCK inhibitors. This position combines advanced mechanistic biochemistry with state-of-the-art preclinical tumour models.

The main responsibilities related to this position are described as follows:

• Mechanistic studies: perform phosphoproteomic analyses by mass spectrometry to map POU5F1B phosphorylation pathways.

• Mutant engineering: generate and characterise POU5F1B mutants with phosphorylation defects and phospho-mimetic mutants.

• Organoid platforms:

• Expand the current collection of patient-derived organoids (PDO) by isolating and converting new fresh clinical tumour biopsies into viable organoid lines.

• Maintain, genetically manipulate, and treat the PDO bank to assess tumour growth, shape, and invasiveness.

• In vivo evaluation: perform orthotopic and intrasplenic injections in syngeneic mouse models and xenografts (PDX).

• Immune profiling: conduct single-cell immunophenotyping analyses and phagocytosis assays.

• Collaboration: coordinate multicentre work with clinical and basic science partners.

The successful candidate will also work closely with a multidisciplinary team of data scientists, pathologists, and clinicians at the Centre for Translational Oncohaematology (CRTOH), and will benefit from state-of-the-art spatial omics technologies.

Required qualifications and skills

• PhD in molecular biology, cancer biology, biochemistry, or a related field.

• Strong knowledge of fundamental molecular and cell biology techniques.

• Previous experience in handling primary tissues, organoid generation/culture, or proteomics data analysis is highly desirable.

• Excellent skills in project management, data integrity, and communication (in English).

• Certification in animal experimentation and practical expertise in mouse handling would be an asset.

Starting date

1 November 2026 or to be agreed

Contact

If you match the above description, we would be very pleased to receive your application dossier (cover letter, CV, certificates, diplomas) which must be submitted exclusively online by clicking the button below "Apply/Apply now".

For further information, please contact Dr Laia Simo-Riudalbas .

Additional information

• Fixed-term private law contract, renewable twice.

• Opportunity to work on a high clinical impact research project.

• Access to cutting-edge technologies and innovative resources.

• A stimulating and international academic environment within a world-renowned research institute.

• Work-life balance in Geneva, Switzerland, with its lake and mountains.

Job description

Job description

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Geneva offers a dynamic, multicultural environment dedicated to excellence in research and education. Closely linked to the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), the faculty fosters collaborative and translational research at the intersection of medicine and innovation.

We are seeking a highly motivated

Full-time Postdoctoral researcher

in cancer molecular biology & preclinical models

to join Professor O. Michielin’s laboratory, under the supervision of Dr. Laia Simo-Riudalbas. The selected candidate will contribute to a cutting-edge translational research project focused on cancer molecular biology & preclinical models.

Project overview

The Postdoctoral fellow will participate in leading an innovative translational project investigating the ROCK-POU5F1B axis in colorectal cancer (CRC). He/she will evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting the human-restricted oncoprotein POU5F1B using ROCK inhibitors. The position combines advanced mechanistic biochemistry with cutting-edge preclinical tumour models.

The key responsibilities of this position are described as follows:

• Mechanistic studies: Execute mass spectrometry phosphoproteomics to map POU5F1B phosphorylation pathways.
• Mutant engineering: Generate and characterise phospho-defective and phospho-mimetic POU5F1B mutants.
• Organoid platforms:
• Enlarge our current patient-derived organoid (PDO) collection by isolating and converting new, fresh clinical tumour biopsies into viable organoid lines.
• Maintain, genetically manipulate, and treat the PDO repository to evaluate tumour growth, shape, and invasiveness.
• In vivo evaluation: Perform orthotopic and intrasplenic injections in syngeneic mouse models and xenografts (PDXs).
• Immune profiling: Conduct single-cell immunophenotyping and phagocytosis assays.
• Collaboration: Coordinate multi-centre work with clinical and basic science partners.

The selected candidate will also work closely with a multidisciplinary team of data scientists, pathologists, and clinicians at the Center for Translational Oncohaematology (CRTOH), benefiting from state-of-the-art spatial omics technologies.

Required qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.

• Strong background in basic molecular and cell biology techniques.

• Prior experience with primary tissue processing, organoid generation/culture, or proteomics data analysis is highly desirable.

• Excellent project management, data integrity, and communication skills (in English).

• Certification for animal experimentation and hands-on mouse handling expertise would be a plus.

What we offer

• Full-time contract (renewable for a total period of 3 years).

• Opportunity to work on a high-impact, clinically relevant research project.

• Access to cutting-edge technologies and resources.

• A stimulating international academic environment in a world-class research institute.

• Work-life balance in Geneva, Switzerland, with its scenic lake and mountains.

Starting date

November 1, 2026, or to be discussed.

Contact

For any further information, please contact Laia.Simoriudalbas@unige.ch . Should you correspond and be interested in the above profile, please only apply online by clicking on "apply / apply now".

Documents required:

• Motivation letter
• CV and list of publications
• Diplomas and references.

Applications will be handled confidentially.

The University of Geneva offers motivating employment conditions in a stimulating working environment. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to showcase your skills and personality and actively contribute to the reputation of an institution founded in 1559.

In the interest of gender parity, the University encourages applications from the underrepresented sex.