Research Technician

The successful candidate will take technical ownership of selected workflows, contribute to protocol optimization, maintain high-quality documentation, and ensure reproducibility across cell-based and ex vivo human skin experiments. Your main responsibilities will include the following areas: Conducting experiments independently in a BSL-2 clean laboratory setting. Performing 2D co-cultures of primary human melanocytes and keratinocytes to quantify melanin synthesis and melanin transfer. Working extensively with ex vivo human skin explants, including topical formulation dosing, tissue handling, and monitoring of pigmentation-related phenotypes. Measuring skin pigmentation changes using reflective colorimetry, including Chroma Meter-based readouts. Executing histological and imaging workflows, including Fontana-Masson staining, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence/confocal microscopy. Supporting biochemical and molecular assays, including tyrosinase activity assays, melanin quantification, eumelanin/pheomelanin analysis, RT-qPCR, and ELISA. Assisting with data analysis and presentation using Excel, GraphPad Prism, and related tools. Maintaining high-quality experimental documentation, sample tracking, and data organization. Supporting day-to-day laboratory organization, reagent ordering, quality control, and compliance with internal safety standards. Contributing to protocol refinement, troubleshooting, and reproducible execution of complex experimental workflows.

As a joint venture of the University of Basel and the University Hospitals Basel, the Department of Biomedicine (DBM) brings together basic and clinical scientists to advance the understanding of health and disease. We are home to more than 67 research groups and over 800 employees across six locations in the heart of Basel. Our collaborative and international environment fosters innovation, excellence, and impactful research. The Skin Biology led by Prof. A. Navarini & Dr. Dr. E. Roider, are looking for a Research Technician. Join our community and help shape the future of biomedicine.

• Completed education as a laboratory technician, BSc, MSc, or equivalent qualification in life sciences, biology, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, or a related discipline.

• Hands-on experience in mammalian tissue culture, ideally including primary cells or complex cell culture systems.

• Practical experience in histology, immunostaining, microscopy, and molecular biology workflows, including RT-qPCR and ELISA.

• High precision, excellent documentation habits, and the ability to follow complex experimental protocols.

• A high degree of autonomy, flexibility, and confidence in conducting independent research experiments.

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with a dynamic, dedicated, and team-oriented attitude.

• Fluency in written and spoken English.

• Experience with human skin models, pigmentation biology, ex vivo tissue culture, image analysis, or dermatology-related assays.

• Experience with primary human cells, organotypic cultures, explant systems, or tissue-based assays.

• Experience with structured data reporting, image quantification, colorimetry, GraphPad Prism, or similar analysis tools.

• Previous work in translational, clinical, biotech-oriented, or industry-facing research environments.