Stem Cell Culture and Organoid Engineering

Heidelberg University is one of Europe’s leading research institutions and the oldest university in Germany, renowned for world-class research in the life sciences and medicine. The Precision Organoid Engineering for Multi-Organ Interaction Studies (POEM) program (www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/cctp-poem) brings together expertise in material science, computer science/machine learning, biophysics, and biomedicine to develop reproducible, micrometer-scale, controllable, and cost-efficient 3D stem cell-derived disease models for applications in neuroscience, cardiology, and gastroenterology. The Organoid Engineering Lab, part of the Cellnetworks Core Technology Platform (CCTP), serves as POEM’s central hub.

The Organoid Engineering Lab develops human stem cell (hESC) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived organoid, assembloid, and organ-on-a-chip systems, applying them to address complex biological questions in disease modeling. We work closely with POEM-associated groups across the Heidelberg research campus, the University Hospital Mannheim, and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), integrating biology with interdisciplinary approaches.

The following full-time (39,5h/week) position in stem cell-derived organoid research is available at the Cellnetworks Core Technology Platform of Heidelberg University, to begin as soon as possible:

Research Technician (f/m/d)

Your Responsibilities:

• Maintain human stem cell (hESC, iPSC) cultures under standardized conditions
• Generate stem cell-derived 3D in vitro models (organoid, assembloid, organ-on-a-chip)
• Perform molecular biology experiments and advanced imaging to support collaborative projects within interdisciplinary teams
• Prepare and maintain cellular biobanks, reagents, media, and consumables
• Document experimental procedures, results, and quality-control data
• Contribute to the development and optimization of automated and scalable culture platforms
• Oversee general lab organization, equipment maintenance, and ordering

Your Profile:

• BTA/MTA, laboratory assistant with long-standing experience, or Bachelor’s degree in biology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, or a related field
• Extensive hands-on experience in human iPSC or mammalian cell culture
• Preferred: experience in iPSC differentiation, organoid biology, or organ-on-a-chip technology
• Knowledge of imaging and/or molecular biology techniques
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work both independently and in teams
• Excellent communication skills in English; German is a plus

We Offer:

• A position at the forefront of interdisciplinary organoid research in an international and collaborative environment
• Access to cutting-edge core facilities and engineering expertise through the POEM network
• Opportunities for professional development and skill expansion in advanced 3D in vitro systems and automated cell culture technology
• This full-time position will be funded non-permanently via the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung until June 2031 and remunerated according to TV-L. The position can be filled in part-time

Application Procedure:

• Please include a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae, and a list of references, including contact information in a single PDF
• Applications should be sent as a single PDF no later than September 30th, 2025 by e-mail with the subject line "Application POEM TA” to Dr. Ramsey Najm (ramsey.najm@bioquant.uni-heidelberg.de). Please direct any informal inquiries to Dr. Ramsey Najm or Dr. Andrea Leibfried (andrea.leibfried@bioquant.uni-heidelberg.de).

Heidelberg University stands for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Information on job advertisements and the collection of personal data is available at www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/job-market.