Laboratory Technician in Cancer Research at the Institute of Molecular Health Sciences

Updated: over 1 year ago
Job Type: Permanent
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

60%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Molecular Oncology Lab, headed by Prof. Nicola Aceto, is located at the Institute of Molecular Health Sciences of the Department of Biology (D-BIOL) within the Hönggerberg campus at ETH Zurich and comprises a team of dedicated scientists and collaborators.


Project background

The Molecular Oncology Lab combines a wide variety of disciplines to answer outstanding questions in cancer research, with a particular emphasis on the biology of human circulating tumour cells responsible for developing metastasis in patients.
This interdisciplinary research group combines microfluidics technologies, patient samples, in vivo models, genome engineering, single-cell analysis, and computational and molecular biology to study how cancer spreads. Recent discoveries from the group involve the identification of metastatic precursors in breast cancer patients (e.g. Diamantopoulou et al., Nature, 2022; Szczerba et al., Nature, 2019; Gkountela et al., Cell, 2019; Donato et al., Cell Rep, 2020), leading to the development of new clinical trials.


Job description

Your main responsibility will be the processing of patient samples using novel microfluidic devices and advanced microscopy followed by the preparation of compelling reports. You will be part of an international team of researchers and participate in well-funded projects in a highly motivated scientific environment.


Your profile
  • A highly-motivated research technician interested in substantially contributing to cancer research
  • Accepting flexible working hours (required due to the variability in sample collection times with clinical collaborators)
  • Responsible and having great organization skills
  • Familiar with molecular biology techniques
  • Willing to collaborate with lab members and support leading projects in the lab
  • Happy to test new protocols and ideas
  • A team player with excellent communication skills
  • Fluent spoken and written in English and German


Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

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We value diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our

Equal Opportunities and Diversity website

to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.



Curious? So are we.

We are looking forward to receiving your online application including the following documents:

  • CV
  • Motivation letter
  • Reference letters/Work certificates

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For more information please visit our website www.theacetolab.com . Questions regarding the position should be directed to M.Sc Ilona Krol, email: [email protected] (no applications).

For recruitment services the GTC of ETH Zurich  apply.


About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.



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