Lead Scientist on Preclinical Disease Models for RNA-based Drug Discovery & Development (f/m/d)

Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim

Are medicine and research in your blood? Then we're looking for you!

The University Medical Center Mannheim stands for quality-assured, university-based maximum care and is one of the largest medical institutions and research centers in the region. With the Medical Faculty Mannheim within Heidelberg University that is rich in tradition, and the University Hospital Mannheim, we unite two strong partners. Every year, we offer a wide range of state-of-the-art diagnostics and therapeutic procedures to around 52,000 inpatients and day patients and 212,000 outpatients. In 30 specialist clinics and institutes, 5,000 employees are equally committed to patient care, research and teaching.

Turn discovery into therapy!
The Stellos Lab (www.StellosLab.com) at the Department of Cardiovascular Research at the European Center for Angioscience (ECAS) of the Medical Faculty Mannheim of the Heidelberg University is recruiting a visionary

Lead Scientist on Preclinical Disease Models for RNA-based Drug Discovery & Development (f/m/d)

The position (pay grade E 14 / E 15 TV-L, depending on leadership experience, publication record and previous acquisition of extramural funding) will spearhead pre-clinical disease-model platforms and development of novel therapeutics across metabolic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, ageing-related, autoimmune, inflammatory and oncologic indications.

About us
The Stellos Lab (www.stelloslab.com) is an internationally recognized research group at the forefront of RNA biology and cardiovascular science. We harness integrative computational and experimental strategies to unravel how RNA editing and modifications govern health and disease. Our lab environment is dynamic, ambitious, and collaborative-committed to pushing the boundaries of biomedical innovation and translational therapeutics.

Your mission:

• Lead and supervise a multi-disciplinary team running in-vivo, ex-vivo and organ-on-chip disease models (human iPSC, microfluidic systems).
• Drive target discovery and therapeutic development (RNA drugs, biologics, small molecules, gene & cell therapies).
• Integrate multi-omics datasets (bulk / single-cell / spatial RNA-seq, metagenomics, proteomics, metabolomics) into actionable biology.
• Oversee preclinical platforms (intravital microscopy and advanced tissue imaging, comparative biology, heart and vessel imaging, tissue perfusion, haemodynamics).
• Build partnerships & resources: foster local and international collaborations, secure funding, coordinate CRO / industry partners, and ensure regulatory & animal-welfare compliance (FELASA).

Your profile:

• Doctorate (PhD, MD, Dr med vet or equivalent) using preclinical disease models in vivo in Pharmacology, Physiology, Molecular/Cell Biology or related field.
• ≥ 5 years post-doctoral experience with demonstrable leadership (license holder) in pre-clinical disease modelling and therapeutic discovery.
• Deep knowledge of mammal physiology and pathophysiology.
• Proven track record of several first-author papers in top-tier multidisciplinary journals of the field.
• German and English language proficiency; deep knowledge of the German academic & funding landscape (extramural funding).
• Strong project-management, communication, teamwork and mentoring skills. Echocardiography, intravital microscopy.

Desirable experience:

• Experience with cardiovascular research or related biomedical / health research fields
• Knowledge of machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn)
• Familiarity with databases and tools for RNA biology (e.g., GENCODE, RNAcentral, Modomics)
• Experience in multi-omics data integration and pathway analysis

What we offer:

• A job with a high level of responsibility and a varied range of tasks
• An open-minded and motivated teamOffers to support the compatibility of family and career
• Support for your personal and professional development through Heidelberg University's internal educational program
• Salary in accordance with the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federal States (TV- L E14/E15 according to experience)
• Pension scheme for the public service (VBL)
• Tailored mentoring

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We stand for equal opportunities. Severely disabled persons are given priority in the case of equal suitability.

Applications must be submitted exclusively via the UMM job portal. Email applications will not be considered.

The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is appointed. Interviews are already underway - apply today and seize the opportunity to lead innovation in RNA biology and medicine.

For informal inquiries about the position, please contact Prof. Konstantinos Stellos (konstantinos.stellos@medma.uni-heidelberg.de), Chairman, Department of Cardiovascular Research, Heidelberg University.

Application deadline: 30.09.2025; Reference: 894-174

Apply now