Internship Opportunity (100%) Zampieri Lab

Your position

High-throughput drug screening has traditionally relied on 2D cell culture systems, which often fail to capture the structural and metabolic complexity of in vivo patient tumors. This project aims to overcome that limitation by extending our high-throughput metabolic fingerprinting platform into 3D cancer models such as spheroids and organoids. By combining untargeted metabolomics, high-content imaging, and computational modelling, we will systematically compare how 320 small molecules reshape metabolism in both 2D and 3D environments. The resulting dataset will reveal which drug-induced metabolic programs are shared between dimensional contexts and which emerge uniquely in physiologically relevant 3D systems. Ultimately, this work will generate a high-impact resource that improves mechanistic drug profiling and informs model selection across cancer research and drug discovery.
In line with our and Uni Basel values (https://www.unibas.ch/en/Research/Values-Ethics/Diversity.html), we are committed to sustain and promote an inclusive culture, ensure equal opportunities and value diversity and respect in our working and learning environment.
We are seeking a highly motivated 100% Research Intern to support the development, benchmarking, and large-scale profiling of 3D cancer models within our multidisciplinary team. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about experimental work, data-driven discovery, and collaborative problem-solving.

What You Will Develop:

• Hands-on expertise in culturing, maintaining, and imaging 3D cancer spheroid and organoid systems.
• Practical experience setting up high-throughput screening workflows and preparing samples for metabolomic analysis.
• Skills in quantitative image analysis, data processing pipelines, and introductory computational modelling.
• Competence in experimental design, data interpretation, and communicating scientific results within an interdisciplinary research setting.

Your profile

• Master's level student in biology, biotechnology, bioengineering, systems biology, computational biology, or a related life science field.
• Solid hands-on experience with cell culture techniques and 3D cancer models (organoids and/or spheroids) is highly desirable.
• Basic skills or strong interest in computational analysis (e.g., Python/R, image analysis, or metabolomics data processing) are a plus.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

 

We offer you

• A dynamic and supportive environment within the Zampieri Lab at the University of Basel, combining experimental biology with cutting-edge computational methods.
• Direct mentorship and opportunities to contribute to a high-impact research project.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, imaging platforms, and metabolomics technologies.
• Integration into an international research community with opportunities for learning, skill development, and scientific networking.