Research Associate (m/f/d) in vitro/ex vivo models in non-malignant hematology - Job Opportunity at Randstad

Basel, Switzerland
Contract
Mid-level
Posted: July 12, 2025
On-site
CHF 75,000 - 95,000 per year. This estimate reflects the mid-level experience requirements, specialized technical skills in advanced imaging and microfluidic systems, and Basel's position as a major pharmaceutical hub with competitive compensation packages. The contract nature may include a premium of 10-15% over permanent positions.

Benefits

18-month fixed-term contract providing focused project experience in bleeding disorders research
Opportunity to work with cutting-edge microphysiological systems and organ-on-a-chip technologies
Access to state-of-the-art imaging technologies including confocal microscopy facilities
Collaborative research environment with direct exposure to novel therapeutic development
Professional development through regular team presentations and data interpretation
Work-life balance with standard working hours and limited home office flexibility

Key Responsibilities

Validate and implement innovative in vitro systems including microphysiological platforms and organoids to advance therapeutic target identification for bleeding disorders
Execute sophisticated imaging protocols using confocal microscopy to analyze patient-derived samples and assess therapeutic efficacy
Design and conduct comprehensive experimental programs evaluating novel therapies for hemophilia and Von Willebrand Disease
Deliver strategic insights through data presentation to cross-functional teams driving drug development decisions
Drive continuous improvement initiatives in laboratory processes and assay automation to enhance research efficiency
Optimize data management systems and contribute to laboratory digitization efforts supporting regulatory compliance

Requirements

Education

MSc/BSc in Life Sciences (cellular/molecular biology, pharmacology, immunology), or completion of an apprenticeship for a research associate with at least 3 years of relevant academic or industry experience

Experience

At least 3 years of relevant academic or industry experience

Required Skills

Experience in confocal microscopy, live cell imaging, and microfluidic systems Experience in applying in vitro analytical technologies such as ELISAs and biochemical assays for data analysis and result evaluations Effective communication in English, both in writing and orally Skillfully able to interact with people and have strong commitment to teamwork Excellent data management and record-keeping skills
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The pharmaceutical industry is experiencing a paradigm shift toward precision medicine and personalized therapeutics, particularly in rare disease areas like bleeding disorders where traditional treatments have limited efficacy. Companies are investing heavily in microphysiological systems and organ-on-chip technologies to reduce reliance on animal models and improve translation to human clinical outcomes. Hemophilia and Von Willebrand Disease represent high-value therapeutic areas with significant unmet medical needs, driving substantial R&D investment from major pharmaceutical companies. The global hemophilia treatment market is projected to reach $15+ billion by 2028, with novel therapeutic approaches including gene therapy and extended half-life factors creating new research opportunities. There is growing regulatory pressure for more predictive preclinical models, leading to increased adoption of advanced in vitro systems that can better recapitulate human physiology. This trend is particularly pronounced in hematology where traditional cell culture models often fail to capture the complexity of bleeding disorders.

Role Significance

Typically part of a 8-12 person hematology research group within a larger preclinical development organization. The collaborative nature suggests integration with cross-functional teams including pharmacology, toxicology, and clinical development groups.
This is a specialized mid-level research position with significant technical autonomy and responsibility for experimental design and data interpretation. The role requires independent problem-solving capabilities while contributing to larger team objectives, positioning the incumbent as a key technical contributor in therapeutic development programs.

Key Projects

Validation of novel therapeutic targets for bleeding disorders using advanced in vitro models Development of patient-relevant assay systems for drug efficacy and safety assessment Implementation of organ-on-chip technologies for hemostasis research Optimization of imaging-based analytical methods for therapeutic mechanism studies

Success Factors

Technical mastery of advanced imaging technologies and microfluidic systems will be critical for generating high-quality data that supports drug development decisions Strong project management skills to handle multiple experimental programs simultaneously while meeting strict timelines in the pharmaceutical development environment Effective communication abilities to translate complex technical findings into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders including senior management and clinical teams Adaptability to rapidly evolving technologies and regulatory requirements in the precision medicine landscape

Market Demand

High demand driven by the convergence of advanced in vitro technologies, regulatory requirements for better preclinical models, and significant pharmaceutical investment in rare bleeding disorders. The specialized skill set combining hematology expertise with cutting-edge laboratory technologies creates a favorable market for qualified candidates.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Confocal microscopy and live cell imaging expertise is essential as these technologies form the analytical backbone for assessing therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of action in complex in vitro systems. The ability to generate high-resolution, quantitative imaging data directly impacts the quality of experimental conclusions and regulatory submissions. Microfluidic systems knowledge is increasingly critical as the industry moves toward more physiologically relevant models. This expertise enables the development of human-relevant assay systems that better predict clinical outcomes and reduce late-stage drug development failures. Strong English communication skills are vital for success in the international pharmaceutical environment, where clear documentation and presentation of complex technical findings to diverse stakeholders directly impacts project advancement and regulatory approval processes.

Beneficial Skills

Experience with hemostasis and thrombosis models would provide immediate value and accelerate contribution to ongoing research programs Familiarity with pharmaceutical regulatory requirements and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards would enhance the candidate's ability to generate regulatory-compliant data Project management capabilities would be valuable for coordinating complex experimental programs and cross-functional collaborations Data analysis and statistical software proficiency would support more sophisticated experimental design and interpretation of results

Unique Aspects

This role offers rare exposure to cutting-edge organ-on-chip technologies and microphysiological systems, positioning the candidate at the forefront of next-generation preclinical research methodologies
The focus on bleeding disorders provides specialization in a high-value therapeutic area with significant unmet medical need and substantial commercial potential
Direct work with patient-derived samples offers unique insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses that are not available in traditional cell culture systems
The combination of advanced imaging techniques with microfluidic systems creates distinctive expertise that is highly valued across the pharmaceutical industry

Career Growth

Progression to senior scientist roles typically occurs within 3-5 years with demonstrated technical excellence and project leadership. The specialized nature of this field and growing market demand create accelerated advancement opportunities for high performers.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Research Scientist positions with expanded leadership responsibilities in hematology research programs Principal Scientist roles focusing on therapeutic area strategy and cross-functional collaboration Research Group Leader positions managing teams of laboratory scientists Regulatory Affairs specialist roles leveraging deep understanding of preclinical model requirements

Company Overview

Randstad

Randstad operates as a staffing intermediary connecting pharmaceutical talent with leading industry players, particularly in the Basel pharmaceutical cluster. The end client represents a major pharmaceutical company with significant investment in rare disease research and development programs.

The ultimate employer is positioned as a leading pharmaceutical company with substantial resources dedicated to bleeding disorder research, suggesting either a top-tier multinational or specialized biotechnology company with strong financial backing and market presence.
Basel represents one of Europe's most concentrated pharmaceutical hubs, hosting major companies like Novartis and Roche alongside numerous biotechnology firms. This location provides exceptional access to cutting-edge research facilities, collaborative networks, and career advancement opportunities within the life sciences sector.
The pharmaceutical research environment typically emphasizes scientific rigor, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration. The team-oriented approach and emphasis on continuous improvement suggest a culture that values both technical excellence and professional development.
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