Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/x) Biology (Life Sciences)

We are looking to support our rapidly growing team as soon as possible: Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/x) Biology (Life Sciences) for Preclinical Imaging

Radiochemie TV-L: 38,5 h/week (100%) 1-year fixed-term contract under the WissZeitVG; plus a 1-year extension for a third-party funded project

Your salary will be based on TV-L

Your tasks

• Planning, conducting and analyzing the biological evaluation of newly developed PET and SPECT radiotracers
• Contributing to the establishment, optimization and

documentation of biological test systems and preclinical evaluation protocols

• Performing in vitro studies, including stability, binding and cellular uptake assays as well as studies using models of the blood-brain-barrier
• Preclinical evaluation of tracer candidates in suitable in vivo models, including support of small-animal imaging studies
• Performing and analyzing ex vivo studies, e.g., autoradiography, biodistribution studies and complementary tissue analyses
• Quantitative analysis of biological and imaging data and

interpretation of results in close interaction with the other project partners

• Evaluation, documentation, and scientific presentation of experimental results in project reports, publications, and presentations

Your profile

• Completed university degree and Ph.D. in biology, life sciences, neuroscience, biochemistry, pharmacy or a related field
• Experience in preclinical imaging (e.g. small animal PET, SPECT, MRI, CT)
• Experience with animal models and experimental animal work is advantageous (FELASA-B or EU functions A, C, D)
• Experience with cell culture, in vitro assays, autoradiography, ex vivo analyses and BBB models is desirable
• Interest in radiopharmaceutical tracer development, molecular imaging and translational research
• Willingness to work with unsealed radioactive substances and to become familiar with radiation protection-related workflows
• Willingness to conduct biological and preclinical experiments within an interdisciplinary team
• Good written and spoken English skills
• Structured, independent and conscientious working style
• Ability to work in a team, strong communication skills and interest in interdisciplinary collaboration between chemistry, radiochemistry, biology, medicine and imaging

Our offer

• Everything but ordinary: You can expect a secure job in a challenging, innovative environment – including company pension schemes and regular working hours without business trips.
• Work-life balance: Whether full-time or part-time, with or without children – with numerous support options, we will find the right path together.
• Team spirit in R(h)ine culture: You will be warmly welcomed by an interdisciplinary team that values mutual respect and helpfulness.
• Strong perspectives: We offer extensive training opportunities – so you can continuously grow and set new goals.

Your future with us

We are one of the leading university hospitals in Germany and network research, teaching and health care at the highest level. That's why many things are a lot bigger for us: the spectrum of exciting development opportunities. The limitless openness with which specialists from all over the world work together here. Or our commitment as an employer to support all employees as best we can in reconciling their job with their goals and life situations.

This is the University Hospital of Cologne: Everything but ordinary.

Your future in detail

The Institute of Radiochemistry and Experimental Molecular Imaging (IREMB) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a translational research project in the field of radiopharmaceutical tracer development and molecular imaging. The postdoc position will initially be embedded for one year in the internationally funded IMAGESTRO project. There is an option of extension for another year. The focus of the work will be on the biological validation of newly developed PET or SPECT radiotracers.

The IMAGESTRO project aims to develop novel 18F-labeled PET tracers for the non-invasive imaging of estrogen receptors in the brain, to characterize them preclinically, and to translate them into human applications. The project focuses on the organic synthesis of suitable precursor and reference compounds, the development and optimization of radiofluorination strategies, and the comprehensive analytical and preclinical characterization of the resulting radiotracers. The work will be carried out in close cooperation between the University Hospital Cologne and Forschungszentrum Jülich and offers an interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of organic chemistry, radiochemistry, radiopharmacy, molecular imaging, biology and neuroscience.

Applications from female candidates are expressly welcome and will be given priority in the event of equal suitability, competence and professional performance. People with disabilities are welcome to apply and will be treated preferentially in the event of equal suitability and qualification. The position is suitable for staffing with part-time employees.

Contact

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Bernd Neumaier

Tel.:

Universitätsklinikum Köln AöR

Geschäftsbereich Personal

Kerpener Str. 62

50937 Köln

Uniklinik Köln Karriere Application deadline: 13.09.2026

Job-ID: 4bxxe1ux

We look forward to receiving your application and getting to know you!