The Department of Thoracic Surgery is looking for a highly motivated and flexible postdoctoral research fellow for our research projects into advanced lung diseases, and in particular Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH).
In addition to being one of two centres performing lung transplantation in Switzerland, we are the only centre in Switzerland offering the only curative treatment, surgical resection, for patients suffering from this rare and debilitating lung disease. CTEPH is characterized by bilateral obstruction of the pulmonary arteries, resulting in progressive dyspnea and ultimately in right heart failure.
Despite some recent studies, the molecular basis and the underlying pathophysiology of CTEPH to date remain poorly understood. This lack of understanding is preventing early diagnosis, and hindering the development of targeted therapeutic strategies for patients not eligible for surgery.
To address these shortcomings, we are undertaking a comprehensive research project aimed at gaining a better understanding of the pathophysiology through multi-omics profiling (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics). In addition, we are establishing primary cell culture models for further hypothesis testing, e.g. new targets identified as part of the multi omics profiling.
Your responsibilities
As postdoctoral research fellow, the successful candidate will be responsible for planning and execution of the overall project. In terms of experimental tasks, you will be responsible for the transcriptomic analyses and the primary cell culture parts of this project, including establishment and validation of primary cell cultures.
In addition, you will support the clinic director and the research coordinator in supervision of the PhD student currently working on the genomics part, as well as master students undertaking smaller parts of the project.
Your profile
Upon start, applicants must hold a PhD in biology, or a related science field, preferably with expertise in the field of cardiovascular disease or pulmonary hypertension.
You are an enthusiastic scientist with demonstrated track record in standard cell and molecular biology techniques.
Specific qualifications include:
- Experience in cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques (extraction of nucleic acids, qPCR, Western Blotting, ELISA, FACS, etc)
- Experience with bioinformatics analysis of omics data and biostatistics is highly desired
- Ability to work independently
- Strong motivation to learn and establish new protocols and methods
- Excellent English communication skills including writing of scientific manuscripts, reports, abstracts and scientific presentations are mandatory. Knowledge of German is a plus, yet not mandatory
- A high degree of flexibility and dedication to the project will be mandatory
What we offer
We are offering a highly original and translational research project addressing unmet clinical needs of CTEPH. You will be working in a team of young and highly motivated colleagues with experience in translational and clinical research, and will be provided with an excellent supporting environment and infrastructure. The position is on an annual contract with possible extension depending on availability of funding. Diversity and inclusion are important to us.
Place of work
University Hospital Zurich, Department of Thoracic Surgery
Start of employment
Employment start date: 01.09.2022. Please send your application as one single PDF file (motivation letter, complete CV, copies of academic certificates, and names of 2 references).