Postdoctoral Fellow Position

Research Unit, Visceral & Transplant Surgery Department, University Hospital Zürich
Postdoctoral Fellow Position
100 %
The Department of Visceral and Transplant Surgery of the University Hospital Zürich has long-lasting interest in academic research with the ultimate aim to advance clinical treatments. Besides basic sciences, the associated laboratories also explore experimental surgery and medicine. We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to engage in an SNF-sponsored project on ischemic injury associated with rat uterus transplantation, with the long-term goal to introduce the first clinical uterus transplantation program in Switzerland. The open position is a special postdoctoral appointment, comprising three main tasks: (i) active support of uterus transplantations performed by our leading microsurgeon; (ii) development of the biological aspects of the project; and (iii) acquisition of microsurgical skills over time. Upon successful execution of these tasks - in particular point (iii) - this temporary position may be transformed into a long-term appointment as departmental research microsurgeon.
Your responsibilities
(i) The fellow shall give active support to the microsurgeon (such as preparation of surgeries) and process/analyze according tissue samples. The latter includes data analysis, presentation of results, and interpretation of findings. Microsurgical support is considered a basis to grow into this profession.
(ii) The fellow shall design and perform studies to identify uterus-specific markers of ischemic injury, which inevitably develops in uteri from dead donors. An existing perfusion system shall be adapted to mitigate injury in uteri exposed to ischemia reperfusion. The fellow is encouraged to design her/his own studies related to our research activities.
(iii) Over time, the fellow shall acquire microsurgical techniques to the level of independent execution. Besides rat uterus transplantation, the catalogue comprises our current surgeries in rodents, such as various mouse hepatectomies. Mastery of microsurgical skills is prerequisite for a future position as departmental research microsurgeon.
Your profile
Candidates should have a molecular biology or veterinary background, a PhD, solid experience with animal experimentation (min. LTK1), and a genuine flair for microsurgery. Existing microsurgical skills are a plus. Support of uterus microsurgery is integral to this position, an according mindset is thus expected. The position requires sound writing/communication skills in English (knowledge of German would be an advantage), a strong interest in surgical research, organisational skills, and the ability to interact with interprofessional teams from several research groups. Candidates with a pragmatic, down-to-earth approach and sound social skills will be preferred.
What we offer
Initially a 2-year fully funded position. Salary is according to the SNF guidelines.
The option of a long-term position as departmental research microsurgeon.
Exciting work at the intersection of basic sciences and clinical translation.
A multidisciplinary environment with close association to the UZH and ETH offering state-of-the-art facilities.
Room to engage in additional visceral studies, be it independently or in association with the corresponding group leaders.
The option to acquire own funding for independent research and to engage in further education.
Place of work
Universitätsspital Zürich, Rämistrasse, Zürich, Switzerland
Start of employment
Please send full application documents (motivation letter, CV, publication list, references) as a single PDF. Application processing will start with 3 January 2022.
Employment start date to be mutually agreed.
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