Senior Scientist / Team Lead Organoid Biology

Welcome to ZEISS

Welcome to ZEISS - a company that combines innovation and responsibility. Our corporate divisions are diverse and make a decisive contribution to the strategic orientation and sustainable success of the ZEISS Group.

Are you passionate about translating advanced biological concepts into transformative solutions for ophthalmology and disease modelling? Then leverage your expertise to help us unlock the potential of next-generation organoid technologies. ZEISS is establishing an interdisciplinary team in a dynamic, agile, startup-like environment. This corporate-backed unit will benefit from the full ZEISS ecosystem and its deep expertise in optics, imaging, and life sciences.

You will play a crucial role in building and advancing organoid biology capabilities toward real-world impact. Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders is essential and should be complemented by a strong hands-on and team development mentality in a dynamic, innovation-driven environment.

Responsibilities

Organoid Platform Development

• Establish, optimize, and scale culture systems for ocular, glandular, and disease-relevant organoids.
• Develop and document robust protocols covering organoid generation, differentiation, QC, biobanking, and cryopreservation.
• Implement molecular, cellular, imaging-based, and functional characterization assays.
• Translate scientific findings into technology platforms, product concepts, and decision-ready R&D evidence.
• Contribute to IP generation, publication strategy, and technology landscaping.
• Manage collaborations with academic, clinical, CRO, and industrial partners.

Leadership

• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of research associates.
• Serve as scientific lead for internal and external organoid-related collaborations.
• Coordinate and provide technical guidance to scientists, research assistants, students, and external contributors.
• Communicate progress, insights, and recommendations clearly to internal stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• PhD and postdoc (or equivalent industry experience) in Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine, Ophthalmology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline;
• Proven expertise in organoid biology, iPSC- and/or primary-cell-derived systems, and advanced 3D cell culture.
• Demonstrated experience developing, optimizing, troubleshooting, and documenting organoid protocols.
• Strong background in molecular and cellular characterization, imaging and microscopy, and functional assay development.
• Established track record in scientific leadership, researcher mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience in early-stage or innovation-driven environments is a plus.
• Excellent English and Mandarin (Chinese); German is a plus.

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