Postdoctoral Researcher – Translational Oral Biofilm Research (m/f/d)

The University Hospital Heidelberg is one of the major healthcare centers in Germany. Our objective is the development of innovative diagnostics and therapies as well as their quick implementation for the patient. With about 14,000 employees in more than 50 specialized clinical departments with almost 2,500 beds, about 80,000 patients in part-time and full-time inpatient treatment as well as 1,000,000 patients in ambulant treatment are medicated each year.

Postdoctoral Researcher – Translational Oral Biofilm Research (m/f/d)

The Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene in collaboration with the Department of Conservative Dentistry is implementing a translational research field at the interface of dentistry and medical microbiology.

The goal is to establish and expand an oral biofilm engineering platform, focusing on innovative in‑vitro and ex‑vivo models (e.g. dynamic systems, surface/material models, clinically relevant inocula, synthetic communities) and integrating microbiome omics (16S/shotgun metagenomics and functional profiling) to mechanistically study microbial interactions and intervention effects.

• Job-ID: V000015765
• Field of application: Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene
• Job Category: Science and teaching
• Working hours: full‑time (100 %)
• Contract: TV‑L

Your Tasks

• Establish, standardize, and validate advanced in‑vitro biofilm models (mono‑/multi‑species; static/dynamic; surface/material models)
• Develop ex‑vivo approaches using clinically relevant samples in close coordination with dental partners
• Design and conduct mechanistic experiments addressing biofilm ecology, dysbiosis/homeostasis, interaction networks, and effects of microbiome‑modulating strategies
• Apply state‑of‑the‑art microbiological methods (aerobic/anaerobic culture, quantitative assays, imaging/analytics as appropriate) and coordinate microbiome sequencing/omics with core facilities
• Establish a state‑of‑the‑art biofilm lab, develop SOPs, quality control processes, and ensure reproducibility
• Work closely with clinical collaborators; publish results, contribute to grant applications, and present at conferences
• Supervise students/PhD candidates as appropriate

Your profile

• PhD (or equivalent) in microbiology, infection biology, human biology, bioengineering, biomedical sciences, oral biology, or related fields
• Strong track record in biofilm research and/or in‑vitro model development (e.g. flow systems, co‑cultures, surface/material interactions)
• Interest and ideally experience in microbiome omics (16S/shotgun; analysis or interface expertise), ideally knowledge in bioinformatic pipelines
• Solid experimental design and data analysis skills (R/Python is a plus) and scientific writing ability
• Team‑oriented, proactive, and motivated for interdisciplinary translational research

What we offer

• Substantial scientific freedom to build a sustainable oral biofilm model platform
• Possibility of mobile working and flexible working hours
• Collectively agreed remuneration according to TV‑L E13, attractive company pension scheme (VBL)
• 30 days vacation
• Sustainable travel: job ticket
• Family‑friendly working environment: cooperative arrangements for childcare, subsidy for child vacation care, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
• Wide range of health, prevention and sports offers

A valid measles immunity certificate is required for all persons employed at the unit.

The United Kingdom Hospital Heidelberg embraces diversity and values diversity. Regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, origin or religion, we offer everyone the same opportunities. If one gender is underrepresented in a particular area, we place particular emphasis on counteracting this imbalance. If candidates have severe disabilities, we give priority when their aptitude, qualifications and professional performance match the position.