Laboratory Technician (W/M)

About The Laboratory

EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institution: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

The Laboratory of Brain Development and Biological Data Science (LAMAN), led by Prof. Gioele La Manno at the Brain Mind Institute, investigates cellular diversity in the developing brain using spatial and single-cell omics technologies combined with computational approaches. The laboratory has contributed foundational methods in the field, including RNA velocity, and currently develops and applies advanced spatial transcriptomics and imaging techniques to build molecular-anatomical atlases of brain development.

Mission

We are looking for an early-career laboratory technician to join our team and gain hands-on expertise in two modern, high-demand experimental techniques: HybISS/TRISCO spatial transcriptomics and Zeiss light sheet microscopy. This position has been designed as a focused training opportunity. Rather than covering a broad range of laboratory tasks, you will concentrate on mastering these two technically demanding methods through sustained, repeated practice.

You will work in close collaboration with a senior technician in the laboratory, who will provide day-to-day guidance and mentoring. HybISS is an in situ sequencing-based method for spatially resolved transcriptomics, and TRISCO is a complementary tissue-clearing technique that enables three-dimensional RNA imaging of intact organs at single-cell resolution using hybridization chain reaction chemistry. Together with light sheet microscopy on the Zeiss platform, these methods form a pipeline for whole-organ spatial gene expression analysis that is at the forefront of developmental neuroscience research.

This position is conceived as a springboard for your career. The techniques you will learn are in high demand across both academic and industry settings, and the experience gained here will position you strongly for subsequent roles in spatial biology, imaging, or related fields.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

You will perform HybISS spatial transcriptomics experiments, including probe preparation, tissue sectioning, hybridization, imaging, and initial quality control of acquired data. You will carry out TRISCO tissue-clearing and in situ hybridization chain reaction protocols on mouse brain tissue for three-dimensional whole-organ RNA imaging. You will operate a Zeiss light sheet microscope, acquiring volumetric imaging datasets and ensuring instrument performance. You will document experimental procedures and results, contributing to the laboratory’s protocol repository. You will collaborate with the senior technician and with researchers in the group to coordinate experimental timelines and optimize protocols. You will participate in laboratory upkeep tasks directly related to the spatial transcriptomics and imaging workflow, such as reagent preparation and equipment maintenance.

Profile

You hold a Master’s degree in life sciences, bioengineering, molecular biology, or a related field, or alternatively a Bachelor’s degree with at least one year of relevant laboratory experience. Prior experience with spatial transcriptomics, fluorescence microscopy, or tissue-clearing methods is appreciated but not required; the position is designed to provide thorough training. You are motivated by the prospect of developing deep technical competence in a small number of methods rather than working across many different tasks. You are careful, methodical, and comfortable with repetitive protocols that demand precision. You work well in a team environment and can communicate effectively in English. Knowledge of French is an asset but not a requirement.

Full-time preferred.

We offer

A focused training environment in which you will develop expertise in two of the most sought-after experimental techniques in modern biology. Direct mentoring by a senior technician with extensive experience in spatial transcriptomics workflows. Access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, including Zeiss light sheet microscopy systems and a fully equipped spatial genomics laboratory. A stimulating, international research environment at the EPFL Brain Mind Institute. The position is offered at 60–100% FTE (full-time preferred), on a fixed-term contract (CDD) of one year, renewable for a maximum total duration of three years. Salary is determined according to the EPFL salary scale for technical staff.

Informations

Contract Start Date : As soon as possible

Activity Rate Min : 60.00

Activity Rate Max : 100.00

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 1 year (renewable up to 3 years total)

Reference: 2157