Médico-technique

Laboratory Technician - Radiation Oncology Research

To strengthen the laboratory of Professor Fernanda Herrera, we are looking for a laboratory technician.

The Herrera laboratory (https://agora-cancer.ch/laboratory/herrera-lab/) and the Service of Radiation Oncology are internationally recognized for pioneering work at the interface of immuno-oncology and innovative radiotherapy approaches, including FLASH radiotherapy. Our teams are actively translating fundamental discoveries in immuno-radiotherapy and ultra-high dose-rate FLASH irradiation into clinical applications.

Building on our recent work published in Cancer Discovery ((2022) 12 (1): 108–133. https://doi.org/10.1158/2159-8290.CD-21-0003, the Herrera group is continuing to investigate the biological mechanisms triggered by low-dose radiotherapy, including pathways responsible for immune activation as well as mechanisms of resistance to radiation in the tumor microenvironment. These efforts are currently being pursued within the framework of a project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF/FNS).

In parallel, a central focus of our research is to unravel the biological mechanisms underlying FLASH radiotherapy—a groundbreaking approach in which ultra-high radiation doses are delivered within milliseconds, in contrast to the minutes required for conventional radiotherapy. This ultra-rapid delivery dramatically reduces toxicity to normal tissues while preserving tumor control.

Our group aims to:

• Identify the molecular and immunological pathways responsible for both the FLASH effect and the biological responses induced by low-dose radiation
• Understand how FLASH and low-dose irradiation can synergize with immunotherapies and targeted agents
• Dissect mechanisms of resistance to radiotherapy and immuno-radiotherapy
• Develop innovative translational pipelines leading to first-in-human clinical trials

Our ultimate goal is to improve outcomes for cancer patients by expanding the effectiveness of radiotherapy to currently resistant tumors while minimizing treatment-related toxicities.

Contexte

The Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) is one of Switzerland’s five university hospitals, and a major center of excellence in healthcare, biomedical research, and education.

In close collaboration with the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of the University of Lausanne and EPFL, CHUV plays a leading role in translational medicine.

Driven by a strong ambition to become a European leader in cancer treatment, the Department of Oncology UNIL–CHUV integrates clinical care with cutting-edge research in a culture of innovation, performance, and patient-centered excellence. Its mission is to accelerate the translation of laboratory discoveries into novel therapeutic strategies for patients.

Our multidisciplinary teams—comprising physicians, clinicians, biologists, immunologists, bioinformaticians, bioengineers, and dedicated administrative staff—work in a highly collaborative and stimulating environment that supports professional growth, scientific excellence, and impactful research.

Mission

As part of your mission, you will be required to :

• Carrying out and assisting with scientific inquiries and experiments
• Designing, establishing, and carrying out controlled experiments
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data
• Demonstrating/teaching procedures
• Collecting, preparing, and/or testing samples
• Offering technical assistance
• Writing reports, reviews, and summaries
• Assisting laboratory personnel and other users (such as collaborative groups)
• Ordering and managing inventory, stock, and resources.

Profil

• Experience with in vivo mouse models is essential (RESAL authorization — LTK1 — is desired or possibility of acquiring it)
• Techniques such as immune phenotyping by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry are a strong asset
• Knowledge of molecular biology methods, including Western blotting and qPCR, is highly appreciated
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas is an asset: CyTOF; scRNAseq; handling large set of bioinformatic data; molecular biology and cell imaging techniques
• Basic knowledge of radiation therapy is desired but not required
• We look for an independent and self-motivated person, diligent and capable to accompany our projects, strong team spirit and collaborative capacity, excellent time management, rigor, perseverance
• Fluency in English is mandatory.

The successful candidate will join highly dynamic research environment and get access to several core facilities and relevant state-of-the-art technologies. She/he will benefit from active seminar program and opportunities for conference attendance as well as collaborations with other research organizations

Applicants should send a cover letter, including a brief statement of research experience and interests (max 2 pages), their full curriculum vitae and publication list (if existent).

Nous offrons

To become an employee of the world-famous University Hospital Center from the Canton of Vaud is an assurance of:

• First-rate social benefits such as a Paternity Leave of 20 days and a Maternity Leave of 4 months (there is also the possibility to obtain a complementary breastfeeding leave of 1 month)
• Regular salary progression adapted to your responsibilities
• A 13th salary and 25 days of vacations per year
• A right to at least three days of training per year, by accessing a wide offer of courses not only from the CHUV Training Center but also from external providers
• Possibility to access one of the 500 furnished apartments offered in the surrounding neighborhoods in case of relocation in Switzerland
• Discounts proposed on social and cultural events, goodies and other services, thanks to the “H-Oxygène” association
• Signing up to our Mobility Plan and benefit from different advantages (discounts on public transportation, promotion of “Mobility” car fleet and discounts on electric bikes)
• Being able to enjoy our high-quality corporate restaurants, located in every hospital building, with employees’ discount.

Contact et envoi de candidature

Contact person in case of questions about this role : Prof. Fernanda Herrera, FLASH radiation, 079 556 09 98.

As our applications are processed electronically, we kindly asl you to apply exclusively by internet, with the « POSTULER » button, at the bottom of this ad. Should you have any technical issue, please don't hesitate to contact our recruitment team (021.314.85.70).

The CHUV applies the highest quality requirements as part of its recruitment process. In addition, mindful to promote the diversity of our employees we are attentive to the different life courses and strive to ensure equal treatment and avoid any discrimination. We are looking forward to receiving your application.

We thank in advance the employment agencies to take note that applications inserted by them directly on our recruitment platform are not accepted and cannot be billed. Thank you for your understanding.