Postdoc (m/f/d)

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with internationally competitive and interdisciplinary profile fields in research and teaching.

The Chair of Molecular Exercise Physiology at the University of Bayreuth is seeking a highly motivated

for research on skeletal muscle physiology and biology with a strong focus on the development of novel in vivo RNAi-based local gene knockdown models.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a dynamic research team for up to six years (three plus three), exploring and advancing the molecular physiology and biology of skeletal muscle tissue.

About the lab:

The laboratory has an expertise in striated muscles with a strong focus on mechanobiological principles. To investigate related research questions, our laboratory employs a comprehensive methodological approach, including:

• Cell Culture: Working with primary and C2C12 myogenic cells to investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms in vitro.
• Animal Models: Using mouse models with application of mechanical loading and unloading or disease-mimicking phenotypes to challenge skeletal muscle tissue under various conditions.
• Human Research: Conducting skeletal muscle and liquid biopsy analyses under various stimuli and across cohorts (healthy vs. patients), including mechanical loading and unloading conditions.
• Genetic Manipulation in vitro and in vivo: Utilizing RNAi techniques for gene silencing in vitro as well as localized gene knockdown in murine skeletal muscle in vivo.

Your Tasks and Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing research in the field of skeletal muscle tissue and exploring the interactions between mechanobiology, transcriptomics, and metabolism. Responsibilities include:

• Developing novel in vivo RNAi-based local gene knockdown mouse models to conduct research in mechanobiology, transcriptomics, and metabolism of skeletal muscle tissue (FELASA B certification for conducting animal experiments is required).
• Application of a wide spectrum of ‘omics’, molecular and cell biological, histological, and physiological techniques.
• Teaching responsibilities (mainly seminars, lab courses) amounting to 5 contact hours per week (SWS) in relevant BSc and MSc programs within the Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition, and Health at the University of Bayreuth.
• Supervising bachelor, master, and doctoral theses.
• Option to actively acquire competitive research funding to develop an independent research profile and strengthen the research lines of the laboratory.

Your profile:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biomedicine, Biochemistry, Human Biology, Human Physiology, or a related discipline.
• Experience and expertise in cell culture (including siRNA, shRNA, CRISPR/Cas9, AAVs are advantageous) are required.
• Proficiency in animal research (FELASA B certification is mandatory), as well as interest in mechanistic studies on skeletal muscle; experience with AAVs is advantageous.
• Knowledge of (striated muscle) physiology, mechanobiology/mechanotransduction being desirable.
• Experience with ‘omics’ techniques and data analysis is desirable.
• Strong creative and analytical thinking skills.
• Excellent team skills in an international environment, with English as the working language.
• Experience in writing scientific manuscripts, grant applications, etc.
• Language proficiency in English (minimum B2, as teaching is mainly conducted in English language master programs).

Our offer:

• Innovative and highly relevant research topics in the field of molecular muscle physiology.
• Modern working conditions and a constructive work atmosphere in a dynamic, young, creative, and international environment.
• Employment and remuneration in accordance with the civil service regulations for a temporary civil servant position (salary group A13) for a maximum of six years (three plus three years).
• Possibility to foster academic independence.
• To promote work-life balance, we offer:
• Flexible working hours
• Occupational health management
• Remote work options, subject to coordination based on the tasks involved
• Additional benefits of public service employment, such as JobRad, an attractive supplementary pension scheme with the Federal and State Government Pension Fund, various health promotion programs (e.g., health days, workshops, active breaks), and access to a wide range of sports activities offered through the university’s general sports programs.
• In addition to annual leave, time off on December 24 and 31 is granted as part of the flexible work schedule
  
  

The University of Bayreuth values the diversity of its employees as an asset and explicitly affirms its commitment to gender equality. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are explicitly welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the Best Practice Club “Family at University e.V.” and has successfully participated in the HRK Audit “Internationalization of Universities.” Persons with disabilities will be given preference in cases of equal qualification.

Please apply online with a comprehensive application package (cover letter, CV, list of publications, overview of teaching experience, and copies of BSc, MSc, and doctoral certificates) by March 07, 2025, specifying the reference "Postdoc Molecular Exercise Physiology" via our application portal at the University of Bayreuth. The documents will be deleted in accordance with data protection regulations after the position has been filled.

Please note that this is a two-stage application process. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to deliver a scientific presentation on a topic related to the chair's research profile during the second stage.

In case of further questions please contact:
Prof. Dr. Frank Suhr (Tel. +49 (0) 9221/407-1170 or -1171, email: frank.suhr@uni-bayreuth.de or sportphysiologie@uni-bayreuth.de).

We look forward to welcoming a dedicated researcher to our team who is eager to make a significant contribution to research in muscle mechanobiology and translational physiology. Join our team and develop your independent profile in skeletal muscle research!