PostDoc in Cell Culture

biomaterials group at NIRI that carries out interdisciplinary research on the biological evaluation of biomaterials and nanoparticles in collaboration with chemists, materials scientists, clinicians and other life-science researchers. Depending on the successful candidate's expertise the work will focus either on biomaterials for the repair and regeneration of bone defects or on biomaterials and nanoparticles developed as diagnostic tools or therapeutics for cancer.

The successful candidate will plan and conduct cell-based studies, establish and optimise experimental models, perform and analyse microscopy and biological data, and contribute to scientific publications and project reporting. We invite self-motivated scholars with strong hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture to submit applications. The candidate should have practical experience in the isolation, culture and characterisation of primary cells, experience in organoids, spheroids, co-cultures or other three-dimensional cell models and confocal microscopy. Experience in assay development, quantitative image analysis, biomaterial-cell interactions, nanoparticle uptake and intracellular trafficking, cancer biology, stem or progenitor cells, osteogenic differentiation or molecular biology methods is an advantage. The position may include specialised training and research visits to collaborating institutions, subject to project arrangements.

Benefits

• Basic salary EUR 52 000,- p.a. before tax
• Health insurance
• Dedicated funding for training and short-term mobility, subject to project arrangements.

Eligibility

We are searching for the candidate with:

• PhD in a relevant field including life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, bioengineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Established scientific record and strong hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, including primary cell isolation and culture, organoids, spheroids or other three-dimensional cell models, and confocal microscopy.

Application documents

Applications must be in English and include:

• Motivation letter (up to 1 A4 page) outlining the applicant's expertise in mammalian cell culture, primary cell isolation, organoids or other three-dimensional models and confocal microscopy, and highlighting experience relevant to biomaterials for bone defects and/or biomaterials and nanoparticles in cancer research;
• CV in English (Europass format), providing information on work experience, education, technical skills, training and mobility, publications, h-index where applicable, patents, projects (indicating the role of the applicant), honours and awards;
• Copy of PhD diploma or equivalent;
• Contacts of two references who can provide a recommendation upon request.

All documents must be submitted to bbcentre@rtu.lv before September 25, 2026. 5.00 PM (CET)

Recruitment process

For additional information, please contact bbcentre@rtu.lv and visit https://bbcentre.eu and https://www.niri.lv/en.

The selection procedure will be based on two steps. The first step will consist of screening all applications received and selecting a shortlist of candidates based on the CV, motivation, relevant methodological expertise, and fit with the available research project. The second step will consist of an interview, held in person or online. Prior to recruitment, the successful applicant may be requested to provide original copies of the certificates and documents declared. Incorrect documents or the absence of required documents may invalidate the application.

When applying for this position, the candidate agrees to the processing of personal data pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 (General Data Protection Regulation) and applicable Latvian law. Personal data will be processed and stored solely for recruitment purposes and will not be transferred to third parties without the candidate's consent, except in cases specified by the laws and regulations in force in the Republic of Latvia.