Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoctoral Researcheress 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 of heterotopic ossification and bone fracture healing. This position is part of the SNSF Sinergia project SLIHI4BONE (Nr. 213520; project start 01.04.2023) collaborating with M. Bohner from RMS Foundation, R. Müller from ETH Zurich, and E. Wehrle from ARI Davos. The project focuses on a novel mechanism that explains how bone forms in soft tissue, also known as heterotopic ossification (doi:10.1016/j.mattod.2018.10.036). This mechanism suggests that tissue mineralization may result in a sustained local ionic homeostatic imbalance (SLIHI), leading to a decrease in extracellular calcium that modulates inflammation, thus triggering bone formation. The overarching goal of the project 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 characterized by the formation of mature bone in soft tissues. Despite its frequency, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, and existing therapies are often ineffective, sometimes requiring surgical removal of the bone. This ectopic bone formation arises from an osteoinductive process, where stem cells differentiate into bone cells, which is crucial for treating large bone defects. Currently, osteoinduction involves the implantation of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), but their safety has been questioned. Alternative approaches such as osteoinductive bone graft substitutes face potency challenges, with ongoing debates about their effectiveness. Understanding the role of low extracellular calcium in triggering bone formation could lead to innovative strategies for developing effective osteoinductive bone graft substitutes and improving treatments for impaired bone healing.

Project team and setup: The project embraces a multidisciplinary collaborative approach, featuring three PhD students focusing on material science, advanced in vivo imaging, and molecular biology. The Postdoc position at LBB, ETH Zurich, will concentrate on advancing our multiphoton intravital imaging technology. This collaborative team environment aims to design calcium phosphate materials with controlled architecture and assess their rate of mineralization in vitro and in vivo. The responses related to extracellular calcium levels and tissue interactions with these materials will be monitored using multimodal techniques, including 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 seeking a motivated Postdoc to join the Institute for Biomechanics at ETH Zurich. You will collaborate closely with the 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
• Prior involvement with in vivo animal models is a plus
• Excellent communication skills in English (oral and written) are essential
• High motivation, strong interest in skeletal research, and resilience in facing challenges are required
• Ability to independently solve complex tasks
• Familiarity with a cross-cultural/interdisciplinary environment is beneficial

Workplace

The workplace is located at ETH Zurich, a leading university in science and technology that promotes independent thinking and excellence. Our institution values diversity and sustainability, ensuring a fair and open environment that supports the growth of all staff and students.

We Offer

• A job with impact: Join ETH Zurich, where your professional development is supported and contributes to societal change
• An engaging and varied role within a vibrant and innovative organization
• Collaboration in a highly committed multidisciplinary team
• Regular meetings and close cooperation with Sinergia project partners
• Numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by ASVZ, childcare services, and attractive pension benefits

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to your online application, including the following documents:

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

For further information about the Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics, please visit our website. Any questions regarding the position can 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 specializing in science and technology, praised for its exceptional education, innovative research, and practical knowledge transfer. With over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, we foster independent thinking and excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, we aim to develop solutions for today's and tomorrow's global challenges.