The AO is a medically guided, not-for-profit organization, a global network of surgeons, and the world's leading education, innovation, and research organization specializing in the surgical treatment of trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. We are home to people from all over the world, from different backgrounds, with diverse talents and specialist areas. What binds us together is our passion for excellence, our dedication to our mission of improving patient care, and our understanding that we are stronger together: we are one AO.
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The contributes high quality applied preclinical research and development within trauma and disorders of the musculoskeletal system and translation of this knowledge, as well as investigates and improves the performance of surgical procedures, devices, and substances to achieve more effective patient care worldwide. It fosters a close relationship with the AO’s medical community, academic societies, and universities and provides a research environment and support for AO clinicians.
Employment type / Anstellungsverhältnis: Temporary Workload percentage / Pensum: 100% Location / Standort:
Davos Platz, CH
Experience level / gewünschtes Erfahrungsniveau: Students / Interns Application language / Bewerbungssprache: English
Short Description
A Postdoc position is available at the Biomedical Materials Focus Area of the Regenerative Orthopaedics Program of the AO Research Institute Davos (ARI).
ARI's Biomedical Materials Focus Area is committed to designing advanced biomaterials and the development of manufacturing technologies for improved musculoskeletal disorders therapies. We create polymeric biomaterials that react to environmental stimuli, that interact with cells and tissues and that are amenable to cutting-edge biofabrication technologies.
Topic: Dynamic biomaterials for musculoskeletal tissue engineering.
Tissue regeneration consists of sequential phases with specific requirements. To enable tissue function and regeneration, biomaterials need to adapt their properties in a temporally controlled manner. Mechanical competence is essential to maintain the location upon implantation and to create a microenvironment where cells can thrive. Cell and vessel invasion is another essential process, whereas for tissue integration it is essential that implanted constructs interlock with native tissues at the molecular and cellular level.
Main Responsibilities
The successful candidate will work on the chemical modification of biopolymers and the implementation of biofabrication techniques to introduce dynamic biomaterials fostering cell invasion, tissue integration, as well as biological and mechanical competence for the regeneration of musculoskeletal tissues. The project will additionally explore strategies for local delivery of biological cues to stimulate tissue formation and to avoid chronic inflammation.
As part of the postdoctoral training the candidate will have the chance to sharpen their skills in grant writing and the opportunity to apply to personal grants, and to support collaborative applications.
Once the main project is established, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to additional initiatives, including projects they may propose themselves, subject to agreement with the supervisor.
Main Requirements
1. The candidate must be very self-motivated and have a strong interest in the research topic.
2. The ideal candidate holds a PhD degree in Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Health Sciences and Technology, or to any discipline including a solid academic background in chemical modification of biopolymers and biomaterials science.
3. We expect excellent laboratory skills in chemical modification of biopolymers and biofabrication.
4. Previous experience in drug delivery, musculoskeletal tissue engineering, cell culture, biochemistry assays, is a plus.
5. We require good English language skills, and a work ethic suitable to the challenges we plan to offer.
6. Familiarity with a cross-cultural/interdisciplinary environment is an advantage.
7. Eligibility to apply and obtain a Visa for temporary residence is Switzerland is essential.
Additional Information
8. The starting date is to be arranged in Spring 2026 and duration of the role will be 2 years.
9. Only applications received via the AO job portal will be considered.
10. Due to the holiday season, we will start reviewing applications mid January 2026.
We offer
11. An interesting and varied job in an exciting and innovative organization
12. The opportunity to be part of a highly committed international team
13. Modern infrastructure
14. High degree of flexibility regarding working hours and location (depending on operational requirements)
15. Generous package of social benefits, including supplementary vacation days and pension scheme contributions
16. Internal skills training opportunities and support for continued education