PhD Candidate in Cell Biology and Toxicology (In Vitro Models)

Teaching, research and practice - we connect

The Suter-Dick group "Cell Biology and in vitro toxicology" at  the Institute of Chemis and Bioanalytics develops advanced in vitro systems for biomedical research. These in vitro systems are applied to investigate disease mechanisms as well as the pharmacological and toxicological effects of drugs. With this, we actively support the 3Rs (Reduce, Replace, Refine animal experimentation) and the implementation of alternative methods (NAMs) in pharmaceutical research.

In the framework of the Innosuisse-funded Flagship consortium ORION, and in close collaboration with the University of Bern, we are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a strong background in cell biology and/or toxicology, and a keen interest in automation, advanced in vitro models, and data analysis. The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative research environment, contributing to the development of next-generation high-throughput toxicity testing platforms that combine innovative cell culture systems with cutting-edge analytical and computational approaches.

• Design, development, and execution of in vitro toxicity assays 
• Establishment and maintenance of 2D and 3D cell culture models, with a focus on liver and gut systems 
• Optimization of robust and scalable cell culture platforms suitable for high-throughput screening 
• Implementation and application of organ-on-chip technologies for mechanistic toxicity investigations 
• Documentation, standardization, and optimization of protocols to enable laboratory automation 
• Close collaboration with academic and industrial partners, in areas such as patient-derived organoids, high-throughput screening technologies, and AI-based approaches for toxicity prediction and data analysis

This position is initially fixed-term for one year, but funding is available for up to 4 years to allow completion of the PhD work.

You have completed a Master's degree in life sciences (e.g. cell biology, toxicology, biomedical sciences, or a related field) and have hands-on experience in a mammalian cell biology laboratory. You are highly motivated to contribute to toxicity assessment and benefit-risk evaluation in the context of pharmaceutical development and next-generation safety testing.

• Solid practical experience in mammalian cell culture, ideally including advanced in vitro models such as 3D cultures, organoids, and/or microfluidic systems 
• Strong interest in toxicology and safety assessment, preferably in a pharmaceutical or translational research context 
• Experience with databases and in silico tools for toxicity prediction and data analysis is an asset 
• High degree of initiative and independence, combined with the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams 
•  Excellent communication skills and a proactive, collaborative mindset

The FHNW School of Life Sciences offers state-of-the-art technical, laboratory and office facilities. Contributing to the school's highly motivating working environment - which is second to none - are its collaboration with a large number of companies and institutions in Switzerland and abroad, a widely varied programme of scientific events, and daily contact with young students in research and teaching. The FHNW is also committed to equal opportunities and the compatibility of private and professional life.

Wide range of university sports

Cultural programme of lectures, concerts, theatre and films

Established implementation of equal pay

Targeted promotion of doctoral projects

Annual working time (42 hours/week) with the option of part-time and teleworking

Mentoring programme for career development

Start Date: per 2026 3 1 or immediately.

Your workplace

Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW
Hofackerstrasse 30
4132Muttenz

Any questions?

About the position:

Prof. Dr. Laura Suter-Dick, Group Leader, Contact: +41 61 228 56 59

About the recruiting process:

Cristina Kabas, HR Manager, Contact: +41 61 228 54 02

Will you soon belong to our team? We look forward to your application.