Assistant Professor in Basic Medicine Section

Job Description

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Geneva benefits from an enriching multicultural dynamic to which it contributes through its influence within the framework of the mandates it has given itself: teaching, research and its partnership with the University Hospitals of Geneva.

The Department of Fundamental Neurosciences at the Faculty of Medicine is at the heart of the neuroscience community in Geneva, with a team of 14 research groups spread across two campuses – the University Medical Center (CMU) and Campus Biotech. These research teams explore brain function, from molecules to neurons and circuits, using cellular and animal models as well as human subjects, with the long-term goal of understanding the neural basis of human behavior in health and disease.

For projects investigating the function of the claustrum in cortical processing and presumed claustrum dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders, the Sensory Perception and Plasticity Laboratory of the Department of Fundamental Neurosciences at the Faculty of Medicine is seeking a:

Full-time Teaching Assistant

The successful candidate will work closely with team members on the ongoing research project and will actively contribute to its scientific and methodological development.

Her main missions will be:

• Design, plan and conduct experiments combining behavioral approaches, in vivo neural imaging and causal manipulations of neural circuits;
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets (calcium imaging, population dynamics, interregional correlations, neuronal coding);
• Supervise and train laboratory interns;
• Contribute to the scientific supervision of Master’s and PhD students, as well as technicians;
• Participate in the development and structuring of new research projects;
• Writing and co-writing scientific publications in international peer-reviewed journals;
• Contribute to the preparation of competitive funding applications;
• Drafting applications for experimental authorization and reports for the competent authorities, in particular the Cantonal Veterinary Office;
• Presenting laboratory results at internal seminars, national conferences and international congresses.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate autonomy, scientific rigor, initiative and a strong ability to work in a team within a demanding and interdisciplinary research environment.

Required qualifications and skills

• Doctoral thesis in biology/medicine (PhD)
• Certificate in animal experimentation (recognized training, compliant with current legal requirements)
• Minimum 3 years of experience
• Demonstrated expertise in the study of olfactory perception and memory in the central nervous system of mice
• Solid experience with behavioral tasks involving olfactory and tactile working memory (DNMS-type paradigms, variable-delay tasks)
• Expertise in in vivo calcium imaging in awake mice, particularly by two-photon microscopy, microendoscopy (GRIN lenses) and/or fluorescence photometry
• Mastery of stereotactic surgery techniques and viral vector injection into the central nervous system
• Proven experience in the chronic implantation of imaging devices (GRIN lenses, cranial windows) and/or optical fibers
• Skills in optogenetics and/or chemogenetics for the causal manipulation of neural circuits
• Advanced expertise in neurophysiological and imaging data analysis (Matlab)
• Experience in the analysis of neural coding, population dynamics, and interregional synchronization measures
• Proficiency in image acquisition software (e.g. Doric/Doric Studio or equivalent)
• Ability to manage complex experimental projects independently
• Excellent command of spoken and written English (the main working language of the laboratory)

Entry into office

01.08.2026

Contact

If you meet the above description, we would be delighted to receive your application (CV, cover letter, and letters of recommendation). Please apply exclusively online by clicking the “apply now” button below.

Further information can be obtained from Professor Alan Carleton: Alan.Carleton@unige.ch

Additional information

Fixed-term contract of 1 year renewable under public law.