interdisciplinary postdoctoral positions for organoid engineering (f/m/d)

Heidelberg University invites applications for the following full-time positions to begin as soon as possible: 5 interdisciplinary postdoctoral positions for organoid engineering (f/m/d) The positions are funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung (CZS). Your tasks: The positions are embedded in the collaborative research aim "Precision Organoid Engineering for Multi-Organ Interaction Studies (POEM)": The POEM program aims to generate reproducible, micrometer-scale controllable and cost-efficient disease models by bringing together experts in molecular systems engineering, machine learning, biomedicine and disease modeling. Central to its objectives is the development of methods for culturing tailor-made organoids, assembloids and co-organoids for inter-organ communication towards AI-supported large-scale / high-throughput analyses. Your role: We seek five highly motivated postdocs that will work on establishing assembloid / organoid models for multi-organ interaction studies, using engineering approaches and AI-driven automatization processes. The postdoctoral candidates will jointly work on the POEM aims and are each embedded in the groups of two POEM PIs to allow using and developing engineering and biomedical expertise. Specifically, opportunities exist for: Development of microfluidic cell assemblies in conjunction with ultrasound biofabrication Development of assembled disease-relevant vascularized cardioid/organoids on-chip Generation, long-term culture and analysis of patient-derived or iPSC-derived organoids in the fields of cancer, neuroscience and cardio-vascular/metabolic disorders; experience in single cell Omics technologies is desired. Development of microfluidic- and robotically-assisted organoid culturing platform; experience with automation, control and fluidics is helpful Machine learning and artificial intelligence for robotic control of organoid culturing; experience with large-language models is a plus Your profile: We seek individuals with an outstanding scientific background which demonstrates their passion for organoid research and engineering approaches. Competitive applicants must have obtained an outstanding doctoral degree in disciplines such as (stem cell) biology or medicine, physics, electrical engineering, computer science or equivalent fields and a proven record of high-level research, for example through peer-reviewed publications and conference contributions. The remuneration is according to TV-L. The positions are full-time positions funded non-permanently via the CZS, employment needs to follow the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG). Applications should be sent as a single pdf no later than January 15th 2025 by e-mail to Dr. A. Leibfried (Subject: Application POEM): Please state clearly for which of the positions you are applying and include a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a list of current research support (if applicable), a summary of teaching experience (if applicable), a research summary, an outline of future research interests, a list with 3 or more referees including contact information. Heidelberg University stands for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Information on job advertisements and the collection of personal data is available at