Scientist - Cell Biology & Microscopy (m/f/d)

Our Nikon BioImaging Lab (NBIL) in Basel, Switzerland, provides advanced microscopy, imaging and analysis services to life science customers, including pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. As part of Nikon’s network of BioImaging Labs across Europe, our NBIL combines scientific expertise, cutting-edge imaging technologies and a customer-focused approach to help customers advance their research in an international and collaborative environment.

To strengthen our team in Basel, we are looking for a Scientist – Cell Biology & Microscopy (m/f/d) with a strong scientific background in life sciences, hands-on laboratory experience and a passion for microscopy and biological imaging.

In this role, you will combine scientific expertise, hands-on experimental work and customer interaction. You will support scientific projects from the initial understanding of the biological question through experimental design and sample preparation to microscopy, image acquisition, analysis and interpretation. You will work on customer projects with defined timelines and confidentiality requirements and report results to customers.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Running customer and internal projects end to end: from the biological question through experimental design, sample preparation and image acquisition to analysis, interpretation and reporting

• Performing image analysis and preparing project reports and result presentations for customers

• Performing cell culture activities and supporting assay development

• Preparing and processing samples, including microscopy work and cell staining protocols

• Demonstrating imaging systems and laboratory equipment and providing training to customers and users, as well as collaborators and Nikon colleagues

• Operating, maintaining, calibrating and troubleshooting laboratory equipment

• Managing and coordinating daily laboratory workflows and supporting ongoing research and analysis activities

• Ensuring accurate documentation of laboratory activities, procedures and results

• Ensuring compliance with safety, hygiene and quality standards

• Mentoring and supporting internship students at the Nikon BioImaging Lab

• Representing Nikon at industry events, conferences and professional congresses

• Collaborating across Nikon’s European BioImaging Lab network

• Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Life Sciences or a related scientific field

• Several years of hands-on laboratory experience, ideally in a research or life science environment (industry, CRO or core facility experience is a plus)

• Strong practical experience in mammalian cell culture and assay development

• Hands-on experience with microscopy, sample preparation and cell staining protocols

• Ideally, experience with live-cell imaging, high-content screening or 3D models such as organoids

• Ideally, experience with gene delivery methods, such as transfection or lentiviral approaches

• Confidence in handling laboratory and microscopy equipment, including basic troubleshooting, maintenance and calibration

• A structured, proactive and flexible mindset, with strong problem-solving skills and the confidence to take on unfamiliar challenges and find practical solutions

• Strong communication skills and a customer and service oriented mindset

• Very good English skills; German and French are an advantage

• Willingness to travel within Europe

What you can expect:

• An international and collaborative working environment within Nikon’s European BioImaging Lab network

• The opportunity to work with advanced microscopy and imaging technologies, including early access to the latest Nikon platforms

• In-depth training on Nikon imaging systems and analysis software

• A varied and responsible role combining hands-on laboratory work, customer interaction, and scientific applications

• Close collaboration with international colleagues, customers and partners

• The opportunity to contribute your expertise and actively shape the development of the Nikon BioImaging Lab in Basel

• A role within Nikon, a global technology company with a strong focus on innovation and imaging