Job Offer

The Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden, Germany, is an international research institute focused on cell and developmental biology. Currently about 500 employees from over 50 countries work at the institute in a highly collaborative and curiosity-driven environment. Our research programs are interdisciplinary and span multiple scales of magnitude, from molecular assemblies to organelles, cells, tissues, organs, and organisms. MPI-CBG has twice been awarded the title “Best Place to Work” (Academia and postdocs) by the journal “The Scientist”. Employees appreciate the collegial atmosphere, as well as the family-friendly and flexible working conditions.

The Grapin-Botton lab is doing pioneering research developing pancreas organoid systems and using them to study development.[1] The Campàs lab at TU Dresden has developed unique techniques to directly quantify the spatiotemporal changes of key physical fields during embryonic development.[2]

Background
Organoids are used more and more as disease and development models. Because they develop in vitro, they also offer an opportunity to observe morphogenetic processes live and interfere with them. We propose a project combining state-of-the-art biophysical techniques with 3D organoids models to reveal how cell and lumen mechanics drive shape and function of 3D tissues. We have particular interest in the formation of networks of lumen in organoids and the role of hydrostatic and osmotic pressure. We offer possibilities to learn how to use and develop new tools in this area. We are open to ideas the applicants may want to develop. The successful applicant will work in a collaborative environment with a highly interdisciplinary group of researchers, including physicists, engineers and biologists.

Your qualifications
A university and a PhD degree in Biology or Physics (or related fields) is required. Previous experience in biological physics, soft-matter physics, cell biology, quantitative biology, imaging and image analysis organoids or other multicellular systems will be considered positively.

If you love…

• discussing the newest concepts that shake the scientific community
• learning about cutting edge techniques in the stem cell and organoid fields
• learning about physical measurements and interferences
• interacting with interdisciplinary teams

…then join this project, and the Dresden Physics of Life community!

Our offer

• We offer a diversified job in a young, scientifically oriented, international team in one of the most renowned research institutions worldwide
• Salary is according to TVöD Bund up to E13 based on qualifications and experience.
• Conditions and social benefits of the public service, including 30 days vacation, annual special payment, comprehensive insurance, and an attractive pension plan via VBL (Federal and State Government Employees' Retirement Fund)
• Discounted job ticket (VVO) and good public transport connections
• Support for a positive work-life balance, including assistance with family and childcare matters
• A broad network for career development and training opportunities through the Max Planck Society

The full-time position is for an initial period of 2 years with the possibility of extension. You will be jointly affiliated with the Grapin-Botton Lab (Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics) and the Campàs Lab (Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, TU Dresden).

For further information contact Dr. Anne Grapin-Botton (botton(at)mpi-cbg.de) or Otger Campàs (otger.campas(at)tu-dresden.de).

• The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, and other components of identity.
• The Max Planck Society is further committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.
• The Max Planck Society supports the compatibility of family and career and is certified according to the "berufundfamilie" (“job and family”) audit.

Your application
Please submit your complete application via our online application system at https://recruitingapp-2443.umantis.com/Vacancies/558/Application/CheckLogin/2?lang=eng stating 2023-PostDoc-OrganoidMechanicsHydraulics-1080. Kindly include the following materials.

• cover letter stating your motivation to apply for this position
• CV including a full publication list
• a brief description of your research interests and accomplishments together with contact details of at least two referees as a single pdf file

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. There is no deadline.


If you have obtained a foreign university degree, a proof of the equivalence of this degree with a German degree by the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB) is needed before hiring. If necessary, please apply for this in time. You can find more information at https://www.kmk.org/zeugnisbewertung.

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[1] see https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.09.29.510101

[2] see https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.12.04.519060v1)