Postdoc (f/m/d) Biology (Life Sciences) (Research Associate)

To support our rapidly growing team, we are looking for the earliest possible starting date: Postdoc (f/m/d) Biology (Life Sciences) for preclinical imaging

Radiochemistry TV-L 38.5 hours/week, fixed-term according to WissZeitVG for 1 year plus 1 year extension within the framework of a third-party funded project Remuneration according to TV-L

Your tasks

• Your area of responsibility includes, in particular:

Planning, implementation, and evaluation of the biological evaluation of newly developed PET and SPECT radiotracers

• Participation in the establishment, optimization, and documentation of biological test systems and preclinical evaluation protocols
• Performance of in vitro studies, e.g., stability, binding, and cell culture assays as well as studies in blood-brain barrier models
• Preclinical evaluation of tracer candidates in suitable in vivo models, including support for small animal imaging studies
• Performance and evaluation of ex vivo analyses, e.g., autoradiography, biodistribution studies, and complementary tissue analyses
• Quantitative analysis of biological and imaging data as well as interpretation of results in close coordination with other project partners
• Evaluation, documentation, and scientific presentation of experimental results in project reports, publications, and presentations

Your profile

• Completed university degree and doctorate in Biology, Life Sciences, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, or a related natural science
• Experience in preclinical imaging (e.g., small animal PET, SPECT, MRI, CT)
• Experience in handling animal models and animal experimental work is an advantage (FELASA-B or EU categories A, C, D)
• Experience with cell culture, in vitro assays, autoradiography, and BBB models is desirable
• Interest in radiopharmaceutical tracer development, molecular imaging, and translational research
• Willingness to work with open radioactive substances and to undergo training in radiation protection-relevant workflows
• Willingness to perform biological and preclinical experiments in an interdisciplinary team
• Solid English skills in speaking and writing
• Structured, independent, and conscientious way of working
• Ability to work in a team, strong communication skills, and interest in interdisciplinary cooperation between Chemistry, Radiochemistry, Biology, Medicine, and Imaging

Your advantages

• Everything but ordinary: You can expect a secure and meaningful job in a demanding working environment where you are always at the cutting edge.
• Work and private life in harmony: Thanks to the flexible working time account and desired rosters, you have more time for hobbies, family, and friends.
• Team spirit in R(h)einkultur: You will be welcomed with open arms by an interdisciplinary team that values mutual appreciation and helpfulness.
• Strong perspectives: What others gather through various stages of experience, we offer under one roof as one of the largest employers in the region – allowing you to grow beyond yourself and aim for new goals.

Your future with us We are one of the leading university hospitals in Germany and connect research, teaching, and patient care at a top level. That is why many things with us are "one size larger": the spectrum of exciting development opportunities. The boundless openness with which specialists from all over the world work together here. Or our commitment as an employer to support all employees as best we can in balancing their profession with their goals and life situations. This is the Uniklinik Köln: Everything but ordinary.

Your future in detail The Institut für Radiochemie und Experimentelle Molekulare Bildgebung (IREMB) is looking for the earliest possible starting date for a doctoral research associate / Postdoc (f/m/d) for a translational research project in the field of radiopharmaceutical tracer development and molecular imaging. The advertised position is initially integrated into the internationally funded IMAGESTRO project for one year. There is the possibility of an extension for another year. The focus of the work is the biological validation of newly developed PET or SPECT radiotracers. The IMAGESTRO project aims to develop new PET and SPECT tracers for the non-invasive imaging of estrogen receptors in the brain, characterize them preclinically, and prospectively transfer them to human application. The project includes the organic-preparative synthesis of suitable precursor and reference compounds, the development and optimization of radiofluorination strategies, and the comprehensive analytical and preclinical characterization of the produced radiotracers. The work is carried out in close cooperation between the Universitätsklinikum Köln and the Forschungszentrum Jülich and offers an interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of organic Chemistry, Radiochemistry, Radiopharmacy, molecular Imaging, Biology, and Neuroscience.

Applications from women are expressly encouraged and will be given priority in the event of equal suitability, ability, and professional performance. People with disabilities are welcome and will be given preference in the event of equal suitability and qualification. The work area is generally suitable for filling with part-time staff.

Contact Univ.-Prof. Dr. Bernd Neumaier Tel.: +49 221 478-86807 Universitätsklinikum Köln AöR Geschäftsbereich Personal Kerpener Str. 62 50937 Köln

Uniklinik Köln Career Application deadline: 13.09.2026

Job-ID: oqk0hhir We look forward to receiving your application and getting to know you!