Biology Postdoc at University of Basel, Switzerland | Leukemia Immunology and Metabolism
How does cellular metabolism help leukemia cells survive treatment and evade the immune system? This biology postdoc at the University of Basel, Switzerland, investigates these mechanisms to identify potential therapeutic vulnerabilities. The full-time position joins Prof. Petya Apostolova’s Blood Cancer Biology and Immunotherapy group, with a planned start date of February 1, 2027, or by agreement.
- Position: Postdoctoral Position in Leukemia Immunology and Metabolism
- Institution: Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel
- Location: Basel, Switzerland
- Research Group: Blood Cancer Biology and Immunotherapy
- Group Leader: Prof. Petya Apostolova
- Employment Level: 100%
About The Department
The Department of Biomedicine is a joint venture of the University of Basel and the University Hospitals Basel. It brings together basic and clinical scientists working to advance understanding of health and disease.
The Apostolova Lab works across leukemia biology, immunology, metabolism, and translational medicine, combining mechanistic models with multi-omics approaches.
Biology Postdoc Description
The position is funded through the ERC Starting Grant project LIFE, which investigates bioactive lipids as targets to overcome leukemia immune evasion and improve allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcomes.
The researcher will lead an interdisciplinary project examining how metabolic programs help leukemia cells adapt to therapeutic and immune pressure. Research may explore leukemia-derived metabolites, their effects on immune-cell function, and the identification and validation of metabolic therapeutic targets.
Biology Postdoc – Key Responsibilities
- Design, perform, and interpret mechanistic experiments, including in vivo animal studies.
- Establish and adapt experimental approaches as needed.
- Analyze and present scientific data.
- Develop collaborative research projects.
- Mentor PhD and MSc students.
- Contribute to manuscripts, scientific meetings, and grant applications.
Research Methods and Facilities
The group uses leukemia and transplantation models, mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and lipidomics, functional genomics, CRISPR screens, spectral flow cytometry, and cell sorting.
Additional approaches include bulk, single-cell, and spatial transcriptomics, alongside functional immune and metabolic assays.
Educational Requirements and Eligibility For Biology Postdoc
- Qualification: PhD or equivalent in Cancer Biology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Hematology, or a related discipline.
- Strong conceptual and experimental background in tumor biology and/or immunology.
- Substantial hands-on experience with in vivo mouse tumor models, ideally involving hematological cancers.
- Willingness to perform animal experiments.
- Extensive experience with flow cytometry, including spectral approaches, and molecular biology.
Skills and Qualifications
- Strong experimental research record, ideally including a high-quality first-author publication.
- Ability to independently design, execute, and interpret mechanistic experiments.
- Excellent English communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate within an interdisciplinary team.
- Intellectual curiosity and motivation to develop an independent scientific profile.
Additional Advantages: Experience in leukemia research, tumor immunology, metabolism, CRISPR screening, or histology. These specialist areas are advantageous, while the core experimental requirements above remain essential.
Research and Career Development
The position offers scientific mentorship, career-development support, access to advanced technologies, and opportunities for local and international collaboration. Researchers will have intellectual freedom to develop ideas within an interdisciplinary team.
Biology Postdoc – Application Documents
Submit:
- CV with publication list.
- Your most important original publication demonstrating your scientific expertise.
- A brief statement covering previous research, scientific interests, and motivation for joining the group.
- Contact details for two–three references.
Application Details
- Start Date: February 1, 2027, or by agreement.
- Initial Duration: One year, with the possibility of extension and a long-term perspective.
- Research Group: Apostolova Lab.
Interested in understanding how metabolic changes influence anti-leukemia immunity? This biology postdoc at the University of Basel combines experimental cancer research with immune and metabolic analysis. If your doctoral training and hands-on experience match the requirements, prepare your application and explain the scientific questions you would bring to the group.
Questions and comments