Research assistant (postdoc) (100%) (m/f/d) and Research assistant (postdoc) (65%) (m/f/d)

‘Forschungsgesellschaft für Arbeitsphysiologie und Arbeitsschutz e.V. Dortmund’ (legal entity name) is a research institution institutionally funded by the German Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is the sponsor of ’Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund’ (IfADo). IfADo explores the risks and potentials of modern work in interdisciplinary approaches. We combine the disciplines of Ergonomics, Immunology, Toxicology, Psychology and Neurosciences.

The Department of Toxicology has two vacancies for a

Research assistant (postdoc) (100%) (m/f/d) and Research assistant (postdoc) (65%) (m/f/d)

The positions are initially limited until 30 June 2027. A 12-month assignment in France may be required.

Your task:

Mathematical modelling will be used to investigate the processes and consequences of disease progression from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer), to select specific informative experiments and to aid clinical decision-making. The clinical pictures are accompanied by microarchitectural changes. For this purpose, images of animal and human livers are analysed on a histological scale in all projects. The results are used to construct in silico spatio-temporal multiscale models that correctly represent the liver microarchitecture and simulate selective liver functions. The models can include molecular and tissue scales, signalling and metabolism of each cell or entire tissue, as well as flow and transport.

The projects open up excellent opportunities to develop image processing methods, mechanistic computer models and software tools and to use them in highly relevant clinical, biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications at the forefront of research. All projects are developed in close collaboration with experimental and clinical partners within a team of individuals with diverse core expertise within German and international research networks. The main modelling partner and, possibly, place of work is the SIMBIOTX working group at INRIA (French National Institute in Digital Science and Technology) Saclay in Palaiseau near to Paris.

We are looking for applicants for the following two project activities, whereby the distribution of modelling tasks can also be adapted to interests and skills.

1. Mathematical modelling of the functional consequences of microarchitectural changes in the liver during the development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis up to hepatocellular carcinoma. The focus is on flow and transport modelling. Possibly computer-assisted generation of liver microarchitectures based on histological data, literature knowledge and information from clinical partners.
2. Mathematical modelling of the development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma. The possible underlying processes will be investigated using a spatial-temporal mathematical model. In a second step, the regenerative capacity of the liver in the presence of the above-mentioned diseases will be studied. Based on the findings, possible therapy options and recommendations will be developed. Besides using maths models that show the possible biological and physical mechanisms, artificial intelligence modelling methods and deep learning techniques can also be used in both areas.

Your qualifications:

• Master's degree/diploma/doctorate in computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering, or a related field
• Excellent English skills are essential
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary work and team orientation
• Experience with one or more of the following: programming languages (C++, Python), agent-based modeling methods, or continuum mechanics, especially blood flow and transport modeling. Knowledge of AI and OpenGL-based visualization techniques and/or image analysis methods is an advantage.
• Communication and teamwork skills, above-average commitment, and the ability to work independently are expected.
• Independent and autonomous work, establishing techniques, and presenting work at international conferences

Our Offer:

• A full-time position with currently 39,83 h/week and a half-time position with 29,83 h/week
• Remuneration is based on the collective agreement for the public sector of the federal states (EG 13 TV-L). Classification is based on the collective agreement and personal requirements
• All the benefits of public sector (social) services, e.g., an annual bonus and capital-forming benefits
• Flexible working time models to enable a good work-life balance, with the option of mobile working
• Opportunity for promotion and support for professional development
• A positive working atmosphere in a supportive team
• An interesting, responsible, and varied workplace

IfADo is committed to diversity. We benefit from the different expertise, perspectives and personalities of our employees and welcome applications from qualified candidates regardless of age, gender or gender identity, ethnic or cultural origin, religion and worldview, sexual orientation and identity, or disability.

Applicants with severe disabilities will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified. We actively support the compatibility of work and family life and attach great importance to an equal and inclusive culture of cooperation.

General information about the IfADo can be found at www.ifado.de.

If you have any questions or would like to make preliminary contact, please contact Dirk Drasdo: drasdo@ifado.de

Have we aroused your interest?

Then please send your detailed application documents, including your resume, certificates, a letter of motivation, and two references, including the reference code “FB Toxi 02/25,” until 28th of November 2025, preferably by email to bewerbung@ifado.de.

Dortmund, 13th of November 2025

(Please send your application documents by email only as PDF files. These will be destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations after the retention period has expired.)