Karen Dixon

The Department of Biomedicine at the University of Basel is offering a postdoctoral position in Computational Biology. The research group led by Professor Karen Dixon is seeking a highly motivated candidate to investigate neuro-immune interactions in cancer. The project focuses on understanding the complex roles of intra-tumoral neurons in tumor progression, metastasis, and anti-tumor immunity. Candidates with experience in analyzing cellular and molecular networks, especially using single-cell and spatial omics approaches, are encouraged to apply. The ideal applicant will have proficiency in machine learning, artificial intelligence, or statistical modelling as applied to biological data, along with a strong background in computational data analysis and a solid understanding of biological and biomedical concepts. The position offers close collaboration with neuroscience, oncology, immunology, and cancer immunology labs, providing a dynamic and vibrant scientific network. The Department of Biomedicine is located in Basel, Switzerland, and is known for its international environment and focus on basic, translational, and clinical research. Attractive employment conditions are provided, though specific funding details are not listed. The position is full-time (100%). Interested candidates should submit their application via the University of Basel's job portal. For more information, visit the department's LinkedIn page or the official job posting.

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.

The University of Basel’s Department of Biomedicine is offering a fully funded postdoctoral position in computational biology within the Cancer Neuroimmunology group led by Prof. Karen Dixon. This role is based in Basel, Switzerland, and sits at the intersection of cancer biology, immunology, neuroscience, and computational science. The project focuses on understanding neuro-immune interactions in cancer, with particular interest in the innervation landscape of peripheral tumors and the role of intra-tumoral neurons in tumor progression, metastasis, and anti-tumor immunity. The successful candidate will lead computational analyses of single-cell, spatial transcriptomics, and multi-omics datasets; develop reproducible, well-documented analysis pipelines; and apply machine learning and AI methods to biological questions. The position also involves close collaboration with experimental scientists, contribution to grant writing, and support for the lab’s computational strategy. In addition, the fellow will mentor PhD students and postdoctoral researchers and be encouraged to publish first-author papers and present at international conferences. Applicants should hold a PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science, mathematics, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field. Experience with single-cell and/or spatial omics is required, together with strong computational data analysis skills, scientific computing proficiency, and the ability to work independently in a collaborative, interdisciplinary setting. Prior exposure to neurobiology, immunology, or cancer biology datasets is beneficial but not essential. The Department of Biomedicine provides a large, collaborative, and international research environment with strong mentorship, career development support, and proximity to neighboring labs in neuroscience, immunology, oncology, and cancer immunology. The post is fully funded. Applications are due by 2026-08-28, and candidates should submit a CV with publications, contact details for referees, and a brief summary of past accomplishments via the application portal.

PhD position in Peripheral Neuroscience and Neuroimmunology is available from 2027 in the Cancer Neuroimmunology Laboratory led by Prof. Karen Dixon at the Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Switzerland. The department is a joint venture of the University of Basel and the University Hospitals Basel. The project investigates how peripheral neurons sense disease and influence inflammation, antitumour immunity, and tumour progression. Research will focus on sensory neurons, peripheral innervation, neuronal responses to inflammatory signals, and neuroimmune communication at the interface of neuroscience, immunology, and cancer biology. Depending on the project direction, methods may include anatomical tracing and imaging of peripheral nerves and ganglia, viral and genetic manipulation of neuronal populations, functional analysis of neuronal signalling, single-cell and spatial profiling, in vivo models, cellular assays, and immune profiling. Applicants should have a Master's degree or equivalent in neuroscience, neurobiology, physiology, biomedical sciences, or a related field by the start date, together with practical research experience and a solid foundation in experimental biology. Interest in sensory biology, autonomic regulation, interoception, or neuroimmune communication is expected. Experience with neuronal cultures, microscopy, calcium imaging, electrophysiology, anatomical tracing, or mouse models is advantageous but not essential. The laboratory offers interdisciplinary training, close mentorship, advanced research infrastructure, and the opportunity to develop an independent project in cancer neuroscience. Applications require a motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact details for two referees. Applicants must declare any use of AI tools in preparing their application.