Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcheress

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 of heterotopic ossification and bone fracture healing. This position is part of the SNSF Sinergia project SLIHI4BONE (Nr. 213520; project start 01.04.2023; collaborators: 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 referred to as heterotopic ossification (doi:10.1016/j.mattod.2018.10.036). The project aims to assess the validity of this mechanism and utilize it for healing large bone defects.

Project Background

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a prevalent and often debilitating condition characterized by the formation of mature bone in soft tissues. The underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, and current therapies to prevent and heal HO show low efficacy, often requiring surgical removal of bone. This phenomenon is a result of an osteoinductive process where stem cells differentiate into bone cells, a crucial property for treating large bone defects. Osteoinduction can be achieved through the implantation of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), though concerns regarding their safety have arisen. Another avenue is the use of osteoinductive bone graft substitutes, which have shown limited potency and whose mechanisms are still under investigation. Demonstrating that low extracellular calcium concentrations are central to triggering bone formation could lead to innovative designs of effective osteoinductive bone graft substitutes and enhance the treatment of impaired bone healing.

Project Team and Setup: We adopt a multidisciplinary collaborative approach, with three PhD students focused on material science, advanced in vivo imaging, and in vivo molecular biology. The Postdoc position (LBB, ETH Zurich) will emphasize advancing our multiphoton intravital imaging technology. This setup will facilitate the design of calcium phosphate materials with controlled architecture and composition while assessing their mineralization rates in vitro and in vivo. The extracellular calcium levels and tissue responses around the materials will be monitored through multimodal approaches, including time-lapsed in vivo imaging, multiphoton intravital microscopy, spatial transcriptomics, and proteomics.

Job Description

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

• Develop intravital imaging protocols for HO and impaired bone healing using time-lapsed micro-computed tomography and multiphoton microscopy.
• Extend intravital imaging technology to incorporate ratiometric imaging for quantifying bone marrow interstitial pH and calcium concentrations.
• Provide imaging support for in vivo experiments.

Profile

• PhD degree in physics or biophysics.
• Experience in intravital imaging 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 essential.
• High motivation, a strong interest in skeletal research, and resilience in overcoming challenges.
• Ability to tackle complex tasks independently.
• Familiarity with a cross-cultural/interdisciplinary environment is an advantage.

Workplace

Your work will have a significant impact, as you become part of ETH Zurich, which supports your professional development and contributes to positive societal change. You will engage in an interesting and varied role within dynamic and innovative organizations, collaborating closely with a committed multidisciplinary team. You can expect numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car-sharing options, access to a wide variety of sports through ASVZ, childcare services, and attractive pension plans.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity and valuing diversity. We are dedicated to ensuring a work and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all our staff and students. Sustainability is a core value, and we continually strive towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We invite you to apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Further information about the Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Prof. Dr. Ralph Müller at ram@ethz.ch (no applications).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is recognized as one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for excellent education, cutting-edge research, and the direct application of new knowledge to societal challenges. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, our university promotes independent thinking and inspires excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe, we collaborate globally to tackle today's and tomorrow's challenges.