Research Specialist in Computational Neuroscience and Data Analysis (80-100%)

Starting on April 15, 2026 or as per agreement

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 spawned many fundamental discoveries in biology and medicine as well as several Nobel Laureates.

The Biozentrum is establishing the Dietschy Facility for Tissue Science, a new core unit enabling systematic investigation of individual cells within intact tissues. The facility will integrate state-of-the-art methods for spatial transcriptomics, advanced microscopy, volumetric imaging, neuronal activity mapping, and multimodal data analysis, with an initial focus on neuroscience. To build this interdisciplinary platform, we invite applications for three PhD-level Research Specialists: Microscopy and Spatial Transcriptomics Specialist; Image Analysis Specialist; Computational Neuroscience and Data Analysis Specialist (this position). These positions will work closely together and will support a broad user base across the Biozentrum. Become part of our community!

The position

This position will develop and maintain 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 relationships between gene expression, neuronal activity, and behavior.

Your 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 complete, user-friendly data-analysis workflows from preprocessing through visualization, and train researchers in their use.
  • 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 structure in neural and molecular data.
  • Conduct statistical modeling of temporal trajectories and population dynamics across thousands of neurons.
  • Work closely with microscopy and image-analysis specialists to ensure seamless interoperability across the facility.
  • Provide consultation for research groups requiring guidance in analysis of high-dimensional datasets.

Your profile

  • PhD in neuroscience, computational neuroscience, or related quantitative discipline (neuroscience background required).
  • Strong expertise in neuronal data analysis (spike sorting, calcium imaging, long-term tracking).
  • Experience with 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 ability to train students and postdocs.

We offer

The Biozentrum provides a highly stimulating collaborative research environment with a world-class infrastructure in a brand-new building, as well as state-of-the-art technology platforms for cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. The position is fully funded and salary is according to institutional guidelines. The position is initially for two years, with an option for extension after positive evaluation.

Basel is a cosmopolitan city with people from 150 nations. Located on the border where three countries meet – Switzerland, Germany and France – it is Europe’s most important life sciences hub. Basel provides a high standard of living and a rich cultural atmosphere.

Application / Contact

Your application should 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)

Application deadline: March 1, 2026

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

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