Before applying for a scientific position at the IRB, you are encouraged to read the following advice:

Having an outstanding CV is a very good start but it is not sufficient to be shortlisted for interview. Your motivation and career plans are crucial, and they will have high impact on the success of your application. 

In your motivation email/letter, which should be written in English and directed to the Group Leader of the laboratory that you are interested in joining, you should clearly explain why you want to join the IRB and why the specific research group. Your application should also include the e-mail address of at least two references.

You should wonder not only what the Institute can do for you but also what you can offer to the Institute. Scientists that are training at the IRB are asked to be self-critical and critical towards their peers. We are aiming to train scientists, not task executors. It is expected that individuals work efficiently, more than long hours, even if the former does not exclude the latter.

If you are shortlisted for interview, make sure to prepare for it. Read our website to learn about the specific research group. Read the group’s recent publications and about current projects. Familiarise yourself with research at the Institute that is ongoing in other groups. If your application is in response to a specific advertisement, start thinking about the project and how you would approach it.

In short, applying for a scientific position at the IRB should not be just one of many applications, but one for which you thoroughly prepare.

International PhD Program in Immunology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry

There is no official deadline for applications to the IRB PhD Program: please email your letter of interest and your complete CV, including contact information for references, directly to the relevant Group Leader. See also here for more information.

Postdoctoral opportunities and Early independence

Ambizione: The IRB supports talented postdocs in developing their independence. We invite postdoctoral fellows to express their interest in working at the IRB through support by the Swiss National Science Foundation competitive funding-scheme Ambizione. Applicants from anywhere in the world can apply to obtain a four-years grant to conduct, manage and lead an independent project at a Swiss institution (more info).

General eligibility criteria

• Candidates must have earned a PhD between 1 and 4 years earlier at the time of the SNSF submission deadline (04.11.2025);
• Candidates must already have demonstrated an outstanding track-record of achievements for their level of seniority;
• Candidates must be capable of carrying out the proposed research project independently.

IRB Application

Eligible candidates are invited to apply by sending to our Grant Office Team

• A CV, major achievements and research output list (structured as indicated on SNF Portal);
• a 2-page description of their research and career plans, stating in which IRB lab(s) they would like to be hosted and which expertise they would bring to the hosting lab.

The applications will be pre-screened and the candidates with positive evaluation will be contacted by the relevant Group Leader for the next steps.

Deadline for the IRB application: August 3, 2025.

IRB supports scientists impacted by the war

The IRB stands in sympathy with all those scientists and their families, who are affected by war. In particular, we are supportive of the academics from Ukraine as well as of those from Russia, who speak out against the conflict in Ukraine. If you are a PhD student, postdoc or more senior scientist, who are impacted by the war and working on topics related to the Institute’s research, we encourage you to contact us to inquire for possibilities to be temporarily hosted at the IRB.

Civil Service

Positions as “civilisti” are available at the IRB, for a minimum stay of 3 months. The tasks performed by the civilista and the degree of autonomy will depend on his or her educational qualification and experience. Tasks may involve cell culture, PCR, preparation of reagents or more complex techniques and use of advanced instruments, such as flow cytometry, under the supervision of a PhD student or postdoc. Candidates should directly contact the IRB Group Leader of the laboratory of interest.

Respect

The IRB aims at creating a vibrant, collaborative and inclusive environment, where people safely and freely engage in scientific discussions and discovery. To achieve this goal, interactions among all members of the IRB community should be based at all times on mutual respect. The IRB will not tolerate any inappropriate behaviour that offends personal integrity, personal dignity and hinders equal opportunities. Harassment, bullying, discrimination, threatening behaviours and violence are unacceptable at all levels of employment and the person committing the acts will face consequences, regardless of the status or position. Retaliation against people acting in good faith will also not be tolerated.

If you experience inappropriate behavior at any time, please report it. For more information, please consult your supervisor or HR. The IRB is there for you and will support you.

Gender Equality Plan

The Institute for Research in Biomedicine aims at establishing a culture of respect, promoting diversity and enhancing equal opportunity.

IRB Gender Equality Plan