Research Associate / Postdoc in Cellular and Molecular Control of Tissue Mechanics (m/f/x)

TUD Dresden University of Technology, as a University of Excellence, is one of the leading and most dynamic research institutions in the country. Founded in 1828, today it is a globally oriented, regionally anchored top university as it focuses on the grand challenges of the 21st century. It develops innovative solutions for the world’s most pressing issues. In research and academic programs, the university unites the natural and engineering sciences with the humanities, social sciences and medicine. This wide range of disciplines is a special feature, facilitating interdisciplinarity and transfer of science to society. As a modern employer, it offers attractive working conditions to all employees in teaching, research, technology and administration. The goal is to promote and develop their individual abilities while empowering everyone to reach their full potential. TUD embodies a university culture that is characterized by cosmopolitanism, mutual appreciation, thriving innovation and active participation. For TUD diversity is an essential feature and a quality criterion of an excellent university. Accordingly, we welcome all applicants who would like to commit themselves, their achievements and productivity to the success of the whole institution.

At the Cluster of Excellence “Physics of Life” (PoL), the Chair of Tissue Dynamics (Campàs Lab) offers a position as Research Associate / Postdoc in Cellular and Molecular Control of Tissue Mechanics (m/f/x) (subject to personal qualification employees are remunerated according to salary group E 13 TV-L) starting as soon as possible. The position is initially limited until December 31, 2025 with the option of extension. The period of employment is governed by the Fixed Term Research Contracts Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz – WissZeitVG). The position offers the chance to obtain further academic qualification.

The Chair of Tissue Dynamics (Prof. Dr. Otger Campàs) uses interdisciplinary and quantitative approaches to study the physics and mechanics of multicellular systems, especially in developing embryos (https://physics-of-life.tu-dresden.de/en/research/core-groups/campas). We have developed techniques to quantify and perturb local tissue mechanics using microdroplets. These techniques offer unique opportunities to study physical aspects of multicellular systems. Our lab, hosted at the Max Planck Institute for Cell Biology and Genetics, is part of the PoL (https://physics-of-life.tu-dresden.de/en), which is a new interdisciplinary research center dedicated to Biological Physics and Quantitative Biology in the outstanding Dresden environment.

Tasks: We seek independent, passionate, and motivated applicants for a Postdoc position to study the molecular and cellular control of tissue mechanics during zebrafish embryonic development, as well as existing mechanical feedback loops. The successful applicant will work in a collaborative manner with a highly interdisciplinary group of researchers, including physicists, biologists and engineers.

Requirements: A university and a PhD degree in Biology or Physics (or related fields) as well as previous experience in zebrafish cell/developmental biology are required. Previous experience in quantitative developmental biology and/or in the study of mechanics in zebrafish embryonic development will be considered positively.

For any questions regarding the position, please feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Otger Campàs (otger.campas@tu-dresden.de).

TUD strives to employ more women in academia and research. We therefore expressly encourage women to apply. The University is a certified family-friendly university and offers a Dual Career Service. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. If multiple candidates prove to be equally qualified, those with disabilities or with equivalent status pursuant to the German Social Code IX (SGB IX) will receive priority for employment.

Please submit your application (including a cover letter explaining your motivation to apply for this position and your CV) by March 15, 2024 (stamped arrival date or the time stamp on the email server of TUD applies), preferably via the TUD SecureMail Portal https://securemail.tu-dresden.de by sending it as a single pdf file with max. 4 MB to kerstin.pelz@tu-dresden.de (subject line “Postdoc position in Cellular and Molecular Control of Tissue Mechanics”) or to: TU Dresden, PoL, z. Hd. Frau Kerstin Pelz, Arnoldstr. 18, 01307 Dresden, Germany. Please submit copies only, as your application will not be returned to you. Expenses incurred in attending interviews cannot be reimbursed.

Reference to data protection: Your data protection rights, the purpose for which your data will be processed, as well as further information about data protection is available to you on the website: https://tu-dresden.de/karriere/datenschutzhinweis.