Research Scientist – Stealth CNS Therapeutics Startup

Location: Basel, Switzerland (On-site)

About Us

We are a stealth-mode biotech start-up pioneering breakthrough therapeutics for neurodegeneration. Working at the intersection of neuroscience, cellular biology, and longevity science, we are developing transformative treatments rooted in the fundamental biology of CNS disorders.

This is a founding-team role for a scientist who wants to build and drive impact. Your work will directly shape the trajectory of our platform, therapeutic pipeline, and intellectual property strategy. We are looking to fill this position immediately.

What You Will Do

• Establish, optimize, and maintain sophisticated CNS-relevant neuronal models, including human iPSC-derived models, 2D and 3D cultures, and primary human/rodent neuronal cultures
• Implement neuronal differentiation and disease-modeling protocols to support our therapeutic development programs
• Produce and apply viral vectors (lentiviral and AAV) for gene-delivery experiments
• Execute core molecular assays, including RNA/DNA isolation and purification, qPCR, and library preparation for single-cell RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and bulk RNA-seq
• Characterize cellular disease phenotypes and pathway mechanisms using advanced biochemical and imaging techniques
• Perform Western blots, ELISAs, molecular cloning, and therapeutic construct engineering
• Build and document standardized laboratory workflows, and maintain rigorous experimental records
• Collaborate with internal and external advisors to validate scientific results and refine therapeutic approaches

What We Are Looking For

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, neuroscience, cell biology, or a related field
• 3-5 years of hands-on tissue-culture experience in academia, biotech, or pharma, including direct experience culturing and differentiating human iPSCs
• Proven proficiency in transcriptomics workflows, covering sample and library preparation for single-cell RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and bulk RNA-seq
• Direct experience with viral gene delivery (lentivirus and AAV); familiarity with non-viral approaches is a plus
• Strong foundation in core molecular biology techniques such as RNA/DNA isolation, Western blotting, and cloning/vector design
• Excellent documentation practice, organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Self‑motivated, able to thrive both independently and within a small team, bringing an “I will figure it out” attitude to every challenge
• Swiss citizenship or unrestricted authorization to work in Switzerland (no sponsorship required); willingness to relocate to Basel

What We Offer

• Join a pioneering effort to create first-in-class CNS therapeutics with potential life-changing impact for millions of patients
• From day one you will own projects and help shape the direction of the platform and contribute to intellectual property generation in a flat-hierarchy environment
• A fully equipped, modern laboratory on a thriving life-science campus in Basel, with all core instruments, consumables, and dedicated workspace
• We foster a collaborative, inclusive work atmosphere where strong interpersonal relationships thrive
• We believe that incentive and alignment of interests are fundamental to success, so we provide growth-enabling professional development together with a top‑percentile equity package

To Apply

Please hand in your CV and a short cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria. We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and encourage early submission.

Art der Stelle: 100%, Pensum: 80-100%

Arbeitsort: Vor Ort