Organizational unit:
Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde
Entry date:
06/01/2026
Term from
06/01/2026
Temporary employment to:
09/29/2028
Job Reference Number:
61070-2026-001895
The research laboratory of the University Hospital for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (Head: Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Högler) is located in the Center for Medical Research at Johannes Kepler University Linz—a vibrant, well-connected environment for clinical, translational, and basic science projects: https://www.jku.at/medizinische-fakultaet/forschung/zentrum-fuer-medizinische-forschung/
For the “Pediatric Endocrinology” research group (Head: Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Högler), we are seeking a highly motivated, committed, and passionate postdoctoral researcher who enjoys investigating the molecular genetic and cell-biological foundations of rare pediatric diseases (with a focus on osteology and endocrinology). You will work in an international team of clinical, translational, and basic science researchers and contribute your expertise at the interface between laboratory and clinic: https://www.jku.at/universitaetsklinik-fuer-kinder-und-jugendheilkunde/forschung/forschungsbereiche/
For this position, you have several years of solid experience with in vitro, ex vivo, and preclinical models. You will examine key cellular signaling pathways such as mRNA and protein expression, collagen secretion, WNT signaling, and ER stress. In doing so, you will identify causes and key factors, develop and test suitable assays and metrics, and derive potential therapeutic targets—both for rare and common diseases. You will analyze your results in a data-driven manner and synthesize them into clearly formulated, robust hypotheses. You will work with tissue and blood samples from our patients and evaluate promising therapeutic approaches together with partners in the field of drug repurposing.
Job Duties:
- Integrative bioinformatics (WES, RNA-seq, proteomics) to elucidate disease mechanisms
- Support in managing the ALPL gene database within the framework of the HPP program
- Development and optimization of experimental methods; execution of molecular and cell biology work, including CRISPR-Cas9 (BSL-2)
- In vitro/ex vivo functional analyses, primary cell culture (e.g., skin, bone), and work with preclinical models
- Data analysis, visualization, presentation, and publication
- Acquisition of external funding, grant writing, and completion of independent research projects
- Supervision of PhD candidates and master’s students
- Contribution to teaching and supervision
- Close collaboration with clinical researchers at the University Hospital, the Expertise Center for Growth and Osteology (https://www.kepleruniklinikum.at/kliniken-einrichtungen/kinder-und-jugendheilkunde/expertisezentrum-fuer-wachstum-und-osteologie/), the Center for Medical Research at JKU, and our international partners
Your Qualifications:
- The successful candidate must hold a completed doctoral/PhD degree in Molecular Biology, Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field
- Solid experience in cell culture, cloning, PCR/qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistological techniques
- Demonstrable experience with CRISPR-Cas9–based gene editing and working with primary cells (ideally BSL-2)
- Experience in integrative analyses across multiple data types (e.g., genomics/transcriptomics/proteomics), functional genomics (e.g., CRISPR screens), and network/pathway analyses
- Strong skills in statistics and data visualization; proven ability to present complex results clearly (reports, dashboards, figures)
- High degree of initiative; structured and meticulous working style
- Ability to work independently as well as in international, interdisciplinary teams
- Excellent publication record commensurate with career stage
- Very good German and English skills (C1 level each)
What We Offer:
- On the basis of full-time employment (40 hours/week) the minimum salary in accordance with the collective agreement is € 5,014.30 gross per month (14 x per year, CA Job Grade: B1)
- Stable employer
- Attractive campus environment with good public transportation connections
- Attractive continual educational opportunities
- State-of-the-art research infrastructure
- Dynamic research environment
- Exercise and sports classes (USI)
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Application due date
05/13/2026
The Johannes Kepler University wishes to increase the proportion of academic female faculty and, for this reason, especially welcomes applications by qualified women. If applicants are equally qualified, a woman will be given preference for this position. The university welcomes applications from qualified applicants with disabilities. These applications will be given special consideration.
Contact:
For further information, please contact Ass. Prof. Josephine T. Tauer PhD, P +43 732 2468 8892, E-mail: [email protected].
Exertion place address
Krankenhausstraße 7a, 4020 Linz
