Postdoc in Multiphoton Intravital Imaging / Postdoc in Multiphoton Intravital Imaging

Postdoc Position in Multiphoton Intravital Imaging

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics (LBB) at the Institute for Biomechanics at ETH Zurich is offering a Postdoc position in multiphoton intravital imaging focused on heterotopic ossification and bone fracture healing. This position is part of the SNSF Sinergia project SLIHI4BONE (Nr. 213520; project start 01.04.2023), in collaboration with M. Bohner from the RMS Foundation, R. Müller from ETH Zurich, and E. Wehrle from ARI Davos. The project aims to explore a newly proposed mechanism that may explain the formation of bone in soft tissue, commonly referred to as heterotopic ossification (doi:10.1016/j.mattod.2018.10.036). According to this mechanism, tissue mineralization can provoke a sustained local ionic homeostatic imbalance (SLIHI), which may modulate inflammation and subsequently trigger bone formation. The overall project goal is to validate this mechanism and leverage it for healing large bone defects.

Project Background

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a prevalent and often debilitating condition marked by the formation of mature bone in soft tissues. The mechanisms underlying this pathology remain inadequately understood, and current therapies for preventing and healing HO exhibit low efficacy, often necessitating surgical removal of bone. This abnormal bone formation arises from an osteoinductive process wherein stem cells differentiate into bone cells. Understanding this process is critical for developing effective treatments for large bone defects. Presently, osteoinduction can be achieved via the implantation of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), though concerns regarding their safety have arisen. An alternative method is the use of osteoinductive bone graft substitutes; however, their effectiveness is limited, and the underlying mechanisms are still under discussion. Establishing that low extracellular calcium concentration is crucial for initiating bone formation and gaining a comprehensive understanding of this process may pave the way for novel potent osteoinductive bone graft substitutes and enhance impaired bone healing treatments.

Project Team and Setup: Our project employs a multidisciplinary collaborative approach, having recruited three PhD students specializing in material science, advanced *in vivo* imaging, and *in vivo* molecular biology. The focus of the Postdoc position (LBB, ETH Zurich) will be on advancing our multiphoton intravital imaging technology. This collaborative setup will facilitate the design of calcium phosphate materials with controlled architecture and composition, enabling the assessment of their mineralization rates *in vitro* and *in vivo*. We will monitor the level of extracellular calcium and the tissue response surrounding these materials through a variety of multimodal approaches, including time-lapsed *in vivo* imaging, multiphoton intravital microscopy, spatial transcriptomics, and proteomics.

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated Postdoc to contribute to the multiphoton intravital imaging work package within SLIHI4BONE at the Institute for Biomechanics at ETH Zurich. You will collaborate closely with partners from the Sinergia project at RMS Foundation and ARI Davos:

• Development of intravital imaging protocols for HO and impaired bone healing utilizing time-lapsed micro-computed tomography and multiphoton microscopy
• Enhancement of intravital imaging technology to incorporate ratiometric imaging for quantifying bone marrow interstitial pH and calcium concentrations
• Providing imaging support for *in vivo* experiments

Profile

• PhD degree in physics or biophysics
• Demonstrated experience in intravital imaging, evidenced by first author publications
• Previous experience with ratiometric imaging is an advantage
• Experience with *in vivo* animal models is beneficial
• Excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written
• High motivation and a strong interest in skeletal research, along with resilience in facing challenges
• Ability to independently solve complex tasks
• Familiarity with a cross-cultural/interdisciplinary environment is advantageous

Workplace

ETH Zurich offers an environment that fosters collaboration and innovation, aligning with the respective goals of our projects.

We Offer

• Your role will have a meaningful impact: Join ETH Zurich, an institution that supports your professional development and contributes to positive societal changes.
• An engaging and varied role within leading and innovative organizations.
• Collaborate within a committed multidisciplinary team.
• Participate in regular meetings and maintain close collaboration with Sinergia project partners.
• Enjoy a range of benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing options, a variety of sports offered by ASVZ, childcare facilities, and attractive pension plans.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our core values, ETH Zurich encourages a culture of inclusivity. We promote equal opportunities, value diversity, and foster a working and learning atmosphere where every staff member and student’s rights and dignity are respected. For more information on how we create a fair and open environment for growth and success, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability is integral to our mission, and we are actively working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

Apply online using the form below. Please include the following documents:

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Publication list
• Names and contact details of two academic references

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. For further inquiries regarding the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Ralph Müller at ram@ethz.ch. No applications will be accepted via email or postal services.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is among the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our high-quality education, pioneering fundamental research, and direct translational of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries choose ETH Zurich as their institution, which promotes independent thinking in an inspiring environment that champions excellence. Positioned in the heart of Europe and maintaining connections globally, we strive to develop innovative solutions for the pressing challenges of today and tomorrow.