The Ruperto Carola University in Heidelberg is one of Europe′s leading research institutions and the oldest university in Germany, particularly known for its world-leading research in the life sciences and medicine. The Neuenheimer Feld Campus of Heidelberg University is the largest campus for natural and life sciences in Germany, where the Faculty of Engineering Sciences bridges material sciences, molecular biotechnology and computational sciences. The modern Campus harbors the buildings of the science faculties and institutes, in direct vicinity to the University Hospital Heidelberg, the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). Strong interactions exist via the Health + Life Science Alliance Heidelberg Mannheim with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, the medical campus Mannheim, and the Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim. The life science and engineering campus at Heidelberg University offers a network of core technology platforms, with access to various technologies and industry contacts, for which the Cell Networks Core Technology Platform serves as an umbrella structure.

Heidelberg University invites applications for the following full-time position to begin as soon as possible:


Scientific head of new organoid engineering lab and facility (f/m/d)


The position is funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung (CZS).


Your tasks:

• The position is embedded in the collaborative research aim “Precision Organoid Engineering for Multi-Organ Interaction Studies (POEM)”: https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/cctp-poem
• The POEM program aims to generate reproducible, micrometer-scale controllable and cost-efficient disease models by bringing together experts in molecular systems engineering, machine learning, biomedicine and disease modeling. Central to its objectives is the development of methods for culturing tailor-made organoids, assembloids and co-organoids for inter-organ communication towards AI-supported large-scale / high-throughput analyses.

Your role:

• We are looking for a top-level scientist to lead the establishment of a new organoid platform for high-throughput and versatile development of disease-relevant organoids and assembloids. A focus lies on automatization and protocol adaptation to develop scalable organoid / assembloid production for various scientific questions regarding disease mechanisms and organ functioning. The POEM platform head will recruit and line-manage two platform staff members (limited contracts), is expected to drive POEM interactions and to develop the platform as an interdisciplinary nexus. The facility platform will link researchers with a medical / life sciences and engineering / computer sciences background, creating a unique and collaborative environment.

Your profile:

• We seek an individual with an outstanding scientific background which demonstrates a passion for organoid research and engineering approaches.
The successful candidate will be a proven leader in organoid research with an interest in high-throughput approaches. A passion for teaching and very good communication skills are key, as the role involves mentoring the next generation of scientists and developing solutions for various research questions. In addition to providing reliable high-quality services and managing two positions and investment funds, the role involves engaging in collaborative research projects to advance organoid and assembloid technologies. Competitive funding is available for these projects and participation in new funding initiatives will be offered.

The remuneration is according to TV-L. The position is a full-time position initially funded via the CZS until 12/2030.


Applications should be sent as a single pdf no later than January 15th 2025 by e-mail to Dr. A. Leibfried (Subject: Application POEM): andrea.leibfried@bioquant.uni-heidelberg.de

Please include a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a list of current research support (if applicable), a summary of teaching experience (if applicable), a research summary, an outline of future research interests, a list with 3 or more referees including contact information.


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.