Postdoctoral Position in Peripheral Neuroscience and Neuro-Immune Interactions
The Department of Biomedicine (DBM) at the University of Basel, in partnership with University Hospitals Basel, is a leading center for biomedical research, hosting over 67 research groups and more than 800 employees. The Cancer Neuroimmunology group, led by Professor Karen Dixon, is offering a fully funded postdoctoral position focused on peripheral neuroscience and neuro-immune interactions. The lab investigates how the nervous system influences tissue immunity, inflammation, and cancer, with a particular emphasis on the mechanisms by which peripheral neural circuits detect changes in tissue state and instruct immune cell function.
The successful candidate will spearhead an interdisciplinary project at the interface of peripheral neuroscience, immunology, and cancer biology. Research will explore how peripheral neural signals regulate immune cell function within tissues and how neuro-immune communication contributes to inflammatory or tumor-associated disease states. Methodologies include neuronal tracing, in vivo disease models, genetic and viral manipulation of neuronal populations, advanced imaging, flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and functional neuro-immune assays.
This opportunity is ideal for candidates with expertise in peripheral neural circuits, neuronal tracing, viral or genetic manipulation of neurons, in vivo models, imaging, or computational analysis of single-cell or spatial datasets. The postdoctoral researcher will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment in Basel, with access to state-of-the-art core facilities and expertise spanning immunology, neuroscience, cancer biology, single-cell genomics, and advanced imaging. The project is embedded in a dynamic research program aiming to uncover how peripheral neurons shape immune responses and to identify new therapeutic opportunities by targeting neuro-immune circuits.
Applicants must hold a PhD in neuroscience, neuroimmunology, or a related discipline, and demonstrate a strong interest in peripheral neuroscience, neuro-immune communication, and disease biology. Experience with in vivo models and/or complex experimental systems is required, along with a track record of scientific productivity, independence, and collaborative skills. Additional experience with neuronal tracing, viral approaches, mouse genetics, tissue imaging, flow cytometry, single-cell transcriptomics, spatial technologies, or computational analysis is advantageous.
The position offers full funding, close mentorship, support for scientific independence and fellowship applications, and opportunities for collaboration across the Basel neuroscience, immunology, and cancer research communities. The lab provides a supportive, ambitious, and interdisciplinary environment.
To apply, submit a single PDF containing a cover letter describing your research interests and motivation, CV with publications, contact details for two to three references, and a brief statement of future research interests via the provided application link. Applications must be submitted by July 9, 2026.
