Karin Pfisterer

Postdoctoral Researcher in Melanoma and Extracellular Matrix Biology at the Medical University of Vienna (MedUni Vienna), Department of Dermatology. This is a full-time postdoctoral opening in the Pfisterer Lab, focused on melanoma, extracellular matrix (ECM) biology, tissue mechanics, cell-matrix interactions, and cancer progression. The project is part of PhotoMel , a Horizon Europe Mission Cancer consortium studying how UVA exposure and skincare additive interactions may influence melanoma risk and progression in young adults. The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment with expertise spanning cancer biology, immunology, systems biology, tissue mechanics, advanced imaging, and computational biology. Research activities include characterizing ECM architecture and tissue mechanics in melanoma biopsies, studying melanoma invasion, developing workflows for melanoma cell subpopulation analysis, and investigating how ECM composition and mechanical properties regulate melanoma cell states and behavior. The role also involves advanced microscopy, including confocal, multiphoton, and second harmonic generation imaging, as well as quantitative image analysis, 3D tissue models, organotypic skin and dermis models, tumour spheroids, ex vivo human skin exposure assays, qPCR, transcriptomics, and CRISPR-Cas9-based perturbation studies. Eligibility highlights: PhD in Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field; experience in cell and molecular biology research; fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis; strong communication skills; fluency in English; and the ability to work in an international consortium. Experience with 3D cell culture, organotypic models, ECM biology, mechanobiology, computational image processing, Python scripting, or CRISPR is desirable. Funding and terms: The position is full-time for 3.5 years, with employment under the collective agreement for university employees. The minimum gross annual salary is approximately €70,000, subject to adjustment based on prior experience. The project is EU-funded. Application deadline: 15 July 2026, 23:55 CET. How to apply: Send your application by email to [email protected]. Include a motivation letter, CV, transcripts or PhD thesis draft if applicable, evidence of research productivity, and contact details for two academic referees. Further information is available on the MedUni Vienna researcher page.