Postdoctoral Fellow

The following full-time (39,5h/week) position is available at the Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials (IMSEAM), Heidelberg University, in collaboration with the Mannheim University Hospital, to begin early 2025.

**Postdoctoral Fellow (f/m/d)**

in Mechanical Forces and Cellular Plasticity in IBD

The **recently awarded project “Mechanical Forces and Cellular Plasticity in IBD”** seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join an interdisciplinary project investigating how mechanical forces influence stem cell fate and plasticity in the context of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). This research will be conducted at the Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials (IMSEAM) and led collaboratively by **Dr. Federico Colombo** (IMSEAM, Heidelberg University) and **Dr. Matthias Schewe** (Mannheim University Hospital). The project aims to advance patient-specific intestinal regeneration techniques through state-of-the-art biophysical tools and 3D bioprinting technologies.

**Your Tasks**:

- Characterize the mechanical and topographical properties of IBD and healthy intestinal tissues using cutting-edge technologies like Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) microscopy and nanoindentation
- Develop and optimize 3D-bioprinted intestinal scaffolds mimicking patient-specific ECM architecture for stem cell culture
- Analyze how mechanical forces influence stem cell behavior and plasticity in IBD using patient-derived organoids and biopsies
- Perform single-cell RNA sequencing to uncover molecular pathways linking mechanical forces to stem cell plasticity
- Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to integrate biophysics and stem cell biology in the context of chronic inflammation

**Your Profile**:
You hold either:
A PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a related field, with:

- Expertise in stem cell biology and organoid culture
- Understanding of cell plasticity and differentiation pathways
- Strong interest in biophysical methods and mechanical regulation of cell fate

**OR**

A PhD in Biophysics, Nanotechnology, Material Sciences or a related discipline, with:

- Expertise in tissue mechanics, nanoindentation, or bioprinting technologies
- Experience working with advanced microscopy techniques (e.g., two-photon microscopy is a plus)
- Strong interest in stem cell biology and tissue regeneration

Additionally:

- Demonstrated ability to work independently and solve research questions
- Strong skills in confocal microscopy, molecular biology, and/or computational data analysis
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team

**We Offer**:

- Participation in a cutting-edge, translational research project addressing critical unmet needs in IBD treatment
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies across Heidelberg University and Mannheim University Hospital
- Collaboration with a vibrant scientific community in one of Europe’s leading research hubs
- A competitive salary based on the 100% full time TV-L E13 scale

This position is limited to 2 years.

**How to Apply**:
Please submit the following as a single PDF file:

- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter
- Contact information for at least two references
- Preferred starting date