Postdoc Position in Multiphoton Intravital Imaging 100%, Zurich, fixed-term
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Postdoc Position in Multiphoton Intravital Imaging
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
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The Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics (LBB) at the Institute for Biomechanics at ETH Zurich is offering a Postdoc
position in multiphoton intravital imaging of heterotopic ossification and bone fracture healing. This position is
embedded within the SNSF Sinergia project SLIHI4BONE (Nr. 213520; project start 01.04.2023; collaboration partners: M.
Bohner, RMS Foundation, Bettlach; R. Müller, ETH Zurich; E. Wehrle, ARI Davos) focusing on a newly-proposed mechanism
explaining the formation of bone in soft tissue, also called heterotopic ossification
(doi:10.1016/j.mattod.2018.10.036). According to this mechanism, tissue mineralization may provoke a sustained local
ionic homeostatic imbalance (SLIHI), and this local decrease in extracellular calcium may modulate inflammation to
trigger bone formation. The general project aim is to assess the validity of this mechanism and to use it for healing
large bone defects.
Project background
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a very common and sometimes highly debilitating pathology characterized by the
formation of mature bone in soft tissues. The underlying mechanisms are still poorly-understood and therapies to
prevent and heal HO have a low efficiency. It is not uncommon that bone has to be removed surgically. This formation of
bone in soft tissue is the result of an osteoinductive process during which stem cells are differentiated into bone
cells. This property is essential to treat large bone defects . Currently, osteoinduction can be achieved by the
implantation of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), but the safety of BMP has been questioned. Another approach is to
implant osteoinductive bone graft substitutes, but their potency is low, and the underlying mechanisms are still
debated. Demonstrating that a low extracellular calcium concentration is key in triggering bone formation and having a
better understanding of this process could open up new opportunities in the design of potent osteoinductive bone graft
substitutes and the treatment of impaired bone healing.
Project team and setup: Within the project, we follow a multidisciplinary collaborative approach for which we are have
recruited 3 PhD students focusing on material science, advanced in vivo imaging and computation, and in vivo molecular
biology, where the Postdoc position (LBB, ETH Zurich) will be focusing on the further development of our multiphoton
intravital imaging technology. This multidisciplinary team setup will allow to design calcium phosphate materials with
controlled architecture, composition, and to assess their rate of mineralization in vitro and in vivo . The level of
extracellular calcium and the tissue response around the materials will be followed by multimodal approaches including
(among others) time-lapsed in vivo imaging, multiphoton intravital microscopy, spatial transcriptomics and proteomics.
Job description
For the multiphoton intravital imaging work package within SLIHI4BONE, we are looking for a motivated Postdoc to join
the Institute for Biomechanics at ETH Zurich. You will closely interact with the Sinergia collaboration partners at RMS
Foundation and ARI Davos:
- Development of intravital imaging protocols for HO and impaired bone healing using time-lapsed micro-computed
tomography and multiphoton microscopy
- Extension of intravital imaging technology to include ratiometric imaging for the quantification of bone marrow
interstitial pH and calcium concentrations
- Imaging support for in vivo experiments
Profile
- PhD degree in physics or biophysics
- Experience in intravital imaging as demonstrated by first author publications is required
- Previous experience with ratiometric imaging is advantageous
- Previous experience with in vivo animal models is advantageous
- Excellent communication skills in English (oral and written) are a must
- High motivation, strong interest in skeletal research, durability to cope with challenges
- Ability to solve complex tasks in a highly independent manner
- Familiarity with a cross-cultural/interdisciplinary environment is an advantage
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
- Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also
actively contributes to positive change in society
- An interesting and varied job in exciting and innovative organizations
- Working in a highly committed multidisciplinary team
- Regular meetings and close collaboration with the Sinergia project partners
- You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports
offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits
chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity and sustainability
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value
diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students
are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open
environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently
working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Publication list
- Names and contact details of two academic references
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via
email or postal services will not be considered. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, and while the
start date is flexible, we aim to conclude the recruitment process before the end of January 2026.
Further information about the Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics can be found on our website. Questions regarding the
position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Ralph Müller at ram@ethz.ch (no applications).
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we
work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we
work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
print Drucken
The Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics (LBB) at the Institute for Biomechanics at ETH Zurich is offering a Postdoc
position in multiphoton intravital imaging of heterotopic ossification and bone fracture healing. This position is
embedded within the SNSF Sinergia project SLIHI4BONE (Nr. 213520; project start 01.04.2023; collaboration partners: M.
Bohner, RMS Foundation, Bettlach; R. Müller, ETH Zurich; E. Wehrle, ARI Davos) focusing on a newly-proposed mechanism
explaining the formation of bone in soft tissue, also called heterotopic ossification
(doi:10.1016/j.mattod.2018.10.036). According to this mechanism, tissue mineralization may provoke a sustained local
ionic homeostatic imbalance (SLIHI), and this local decrease in extracellular calcium may modulate inflammation to
trigger bone formation. The general project aim is to assess the validity of this mechanism and to use it for healing
large bone defects.
Project background
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a very common and sometimes highly debilitating pathology characterized by the
formation of mature bone in soft tissues. The underlying mechanisms are still poorly-understood and therapies to
prevent and heal HO have a low efficiency. It is not uncommon that bone has to be removed surgically. This formation of
bone in soft tissue is the result of an osteoinductive process during which stem cells are differentiated into bone
cells. This property is essential to treat large bone defects . Currently, osteoinduction can be achieved by the
implantation of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), but the safety of BMP has been questioned. Another approach is to
implant osteoinductive bone graft substitutes, but their potency is low, and the underlying mechanisms are still
debated. Demonstrating that a low extracellular calcium concentration is key in triggering bone formation and having a
better understanding of this process could open up new opportunities in the design of potent osteoinductive bone graft
substitutes and the treatment of impaired bone healing.
Project team and setup: Within the project, we follow a multidisciplinary collaborative approach for which we are have
recruited 3 PhD students focusing on material science, advanced in vivo imaging and computation, and in vivo molecular
biology, where the Postdoc position (LBB, ETH Zurich) will be focusing on the further development of our multiphoton
intravital imaging technology. This multidisciplinary team setup will allow to design calcium phosphate materials with
controlled architecture, composition, and to assess their rate of mineralization in vitro and in vivo . The level of
extracellular calcium and the tissue response around the materials will be followed by multimodal approaches including
(among others) time-lapsed in vivo imaging, multiphoton intravital microscopy, spatial transcriptomics and proteomics.
Job description
For the multiphoton intravital imaging work package within SLIHI4BONE, we are looking for a motivated Postdoc to join
the Institute for Biomechanics at ETH Zurich. You will closely interact with the Sinergia collaboration partners at RMS
Foundation and ARI Davos:
- Development of intravital imaging protocols for HO and impaired bone healing using time-lapsed micro-computed
tomography and multiphoton microscopy
- Extension of intravital imaging technology to include ratiometric imaging for the quantification of bone marrow
interstitial pH and calcium concentrations
- Imaging support for in vivo experiments
Profile
- PhD degree in physics or biophysics
- Experience in intravital imaging as demonstrated by first author publications is required
- Previous experience with ratiometric imaging is advantageous
- Previous experience with in vivo animal models is advantageous
- Excellent communication skills in English (oral and written) are a must
- High motivation, strong interest in skeletal research, durability to cope with challenges
- Ability to solve complex tasks in a highly independent manner
- Familiarity with a cross-cultural/interdisciplinary environment is an advantage
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
- Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also
actively contributes to positive change in society
- An interesting and varied job in exciting and innovative organizations
- Working in a highly committed multidisciplinary team
- Regular meetings and close collaboration with the Sinergia project partners
- You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports
offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits
chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity and sustainability
In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value
diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students
are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open
environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently
working towards a climate-neutral future.
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Publication list
- Names and contact details of two academic references
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via
email or postal services will not be considered. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, and while the
start date is flexible, we aim to conclude the recruitment process before the end of January 2026.
Further information about the Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics can be found on our website. Questions regarding the
position should be directed to Prof. Dr. Ralph Müller at ram@ethz.ch (no applications).
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we
work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.
About ETH Zürich
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our
excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000
people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we
work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.