Postdoctoral Researcher “Molecular Mechanisms of Musculoskeletal Diseases” (m/f/d)

The position is located at the *Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen,* within the *research group* *Musculoskeletal Inflammation in Traumatology, led by Prof. Jana Riegger-Koch*. Our research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying musculoskeletal diseases, particularly osteoporosis, impaired fracture healing, and age-related and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Two central research pillars are the complement system and its role in inflammation and tissue degeneration, and cell fate decisions in response to cellular stress and injury, including differentiation, senescence, and cell death. We aim to translate these mechanistic insights into novel therapeutic strategies for tissue protection and regeneration. More information: www.riegger-lab.de ( https://www.riegger-lab.de/ )

Your tasks

• Contribute to ongoing research projects and (co-)supervise students
• Independently plan, perform, and analyse laboratory experiments
• Optimise existing protocols and establish new experimental methods
• Contribute to laboratory management and coordination of technical staff
• Participate in teaching activities, including practical courses and lectures
• Present research findings at national and international scientific conferences
• Prepare scientific manuscripts and contribute to grant applications

Qualifications

• PhD in life sciences, such as molecular medicine, biology, or a related discipline
• Strong background in musculoskeletal diseases, mitochondria, immunology, and/or molecular biology
• Hands-on experience in cell culture techniques, fluorescence microscopy, molecular biological techniques (e.g., qRT-PCR, siRNA transfection, and others), Western blotting, and/or histology
• Excellent written and spoken English skills

Additional advantages

• Experience in bioinformatics, omics technologies, or single-cell analysis
• Experience in supervising students, preparing grant applications, or working with laboratory animals
• A strong publication record
• German language skills

We offer

• A crisis proof job with all benefits of a collective wage agreement, including a supplementary pension from the Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder (VBL), with us as a systemically relevant employer in the public sector
• A small, international research group with an open-minded, collaborative and respectful working atmosphere
• A highly independent position with substantial opportunities for scientific leadership and career development
• A high-impact research field with biomedical relevance, several core facilities and inspiring research consortia
• Support in acquiring third-party funding and developing scientific independence
• Intended grouping, depending on qualifications and personal requirements, in accordance with TV-L
• This is a full-time position, which can also be done part-time in principle

Ansprechperson bei Fragen:

Prof. Dr. biol. hum. Jana Riegger-Koch

Bewerbung an:

Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen

Prof. Dr. biol. hum. Jana Riegger-Koch

Krankenhausstr. 12

91054 Erlangen