Postdoctoral Fellow HaaseDayton Groups

About the team/job

We are looking for a postdoc to join our groups at EMBL particular Haase and Dayton labs have expertise in 3D vascularized models and human alveolar and airway organoids respectively. The project aim is to develop patient-specific healthy and disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD) lung tissue models.

In collaboration with Cellzome (GSK) the project will focus on vascularization strategies for precision cut lung slices (an established technique) as vascularization may improve the longevity and phenotype of the lung tissue as a model for drug discovery and parallel we aim to use the donor lung tissue to develop patient-matched vascular models (as those currently developed in Haase lab) as well as airway and alveolar organoids (as those in Dayton lab). We aim to leverage these models to recapitulate and dissect mechanisms of lung disease including COPD and potentially fibrosis. Ultimately this project will focus on drug responses across all 3 patient-specific in vitro model systems.

This position is based in Barcelona but will require occasional travel to the Heidelberg site. The posting is for 2 years but may be renewable.

Your role

The successful candidate will learn in collaboration with Cellzome and Pepperkok lab (EMBL Heidelberg) to prepare culture and characterize hPCLS from donor lung tissue. The candidate will transfer this knowledge to EMBL Barcelona where vascularization strategies will ensue by use of PRBBs µFabLab and the expertise of the Haase lab.

Additionally the successful candidate will learn how to generate 3D perfusable lung vascular models from primary-derived endothelial cells and fibroblasts. We will establish perfusable vascular networks from healthy and COPD donor lung. You will also generate and propagate new organoid lines derived from the same healthy/disease donor lung tissue. The long-term goal will be to examine the effectiveness of tool drugs (from Cellzome) across all 3 models: vascularized hPCLS vascularized microtissues and airway and alveolar organoids. Functional assays relevant to each in vitro system will be performed alongside scRNA sequencing and proteomics.

We are looking for a motivated organized and reliable individual to join our teams and work on this exciting project funded by Cellzome (GSK) which has significant translational potential.

You have

• A PhD in biology bioengineering or related fields
• Experience in tissue engineering and/or microfabrication
• Experience working with organoids and/or microphysiologic systems
• Demonstrated skills in design manufacture and use of 3D cell culture platforms
• Strong practical skills in primary cell culture microscopy and molecular biology techniques
• Independent and motivated work habits
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Ability to manage inter-group and industry collaborations
• Excellent organization and time management skills are a must

You may also have

• Worked with lung organoids or lung 3D in vitro systems

  Experience in advanced image analysis or computational skills

  Experience in scRNA seq and/or proteomics analysis

  Experience using vibratome or similar equipment

Contract length: 2 years

Professional development support

The EMBL Fellows Career Service provides support and guidance to predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows across all six EMBLs sites.

Working with a dedicated Careers Advisor this invaluable service will help you to take informed decisions about your career planning both in the short and longer term. Whether your main interest is pursuing a career path in academia exploring opportunities in industry or exploring an independent venture the EMBL Fellows Career Service with provide you with a portfolio of activities and resources to help you.

To find out more please visit - EMBL-fellows-career-service

Why join us

Join a culture of innovation
We are located on the Wellcome Genome Campus alongside other prominent research and biotech organisations and surrounded by beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside. This is a highly collaborative and inclusive community where our employees enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. We are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued supported and empowered to reach their professional potential.

Enjoy lots of employee benefits:

• Financial incentives:Monthly family and child allowances generous stipend reviewed yearly pension scheme death benefit and unemployment insurances

• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid working patterns

• Private medical insurancefor you and your immediate family

• Generous time off:30 days annual leave per year in addition to public holidays

• Campus life:Free shuttle bus (Heidelberg) on-site library subsidised on-site cafeteria casual dress code extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)

• Family benefits: Kindergarten (Heidelberg) 10 days of child sick leave paid maternity & parental leave holiday clubs on campus and monthly family and child allowances
  

What else you need to know

• International applicants: We recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions. Read more on our page for international applicants.

• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders identities nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.

• Job location: All our fellowships are based on-site (for at least part of each week). If you are living overseas you will receive a generous relocation package to support you.

• EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here

• How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.

Closing Date