Junior Professorship (W1) for Biomechanics (f/m/d)

Overview

Junior Professorship (W1) for Biomechanics (f/m/d) is to be filled at the earliest possible date.

Responsibilities

In 2025, the Biomechanics Laboratory at the Chair of Trauma Surgery was founded and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The aim of this research laboratory is the experimental analysis and numerical simulation of innovative trauma surgery procedures involving bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

Performing biomechanical test series on cadaveric specimens, the primary stability of surgical techniques is systematically investigated in order to support their further development on a sound scientific basis. A particular focus of the research facility lies on minimally invasive and navigated surgical procedures as well as on shoulder and elbow surgery.

In addition, the establishment of complex biomechanical load and fracture simulations is planned, enabling the mechanical effects of surgical interventions to be evaluated digitally in the future – particularly through finite element analyses (FE simulations).

The aim of the junior professorship is to sustainably strengthen the research profile of the Medical Faculty Mannheim in the field of translational musculoskeletal science and to initiate interdisciplinary collaborations within the faculty as well as with external research partners.

Qualifications

The following qualifications are sought in this context:

• Demonstrable experience in musculoskeletal research, particularly in the design, execution, and evaluation of biomechanical experiments on cadaveric specimens
• Willingness to further develop and expand the existing research focus of the Chair of Trauma Surgery
• Active commitment to patient-specific implant research, especially using modern technologies such as additive manufacturing (3D printing) and computer-assisted load analysis
• Expertise in the numerical simulation of realistic loading scenarios of the musculoskeletal system

Your Profile

The future position holder has an academic degree in natural sciences, engineering or medicine and demonstrates solid knowledge in data collection, evaluation, and analysis. Outstanding scientific achievements in research and teaching are also expected.

Practical experience in experimental biomechanics is required, particularly in the use of material testing machines and in operating optical measurement systems (e.g., motion analysis, strain measurement techniques). Desirable additional qualifications include knowledge in additive manufacturing (3D printing) and experience with numerical simulation methods (e.g., finite element methods, FE simulations).

General Conditions

The professorship is a temporary qualification position. In accordance with Article 51 (Higher Education Act of the state Baden-Württemberg), this appointment requires a completed academic degree, an excellent doctorate, and pedagogical aptitude which has generally been proven through teaching experience. If you spent time employed as a research assistant (before or after your doctorate), this employment and the period of your doctoral studies combined should not exceed six years.

Junior professorships at Heidelberg University are generally limited to six years. The provisions of the evaluation statutes for junior professorships apply, and tenure-track information is available in the cited materials.

Provided that the general legal (German civil service law) and budgetary regulations are fulfilled, it is intended that the employment will have civil service status.

Contact & Application

Please submit your application with the usual documents in accordance with the “Applicant Guideline Format Template” and the “Applicant Form” of the Medical Faculty Mannheim (see 14th March 2026) to the dean of the Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Prof. Dr. med. Sergij Goerdt no later than 14th March 2026.

Heidelberg University stands for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Information on job advertisements and the collection of personal data is available at the