Head of Research Group Lower Extremities 100% (a)

Our Department of Teaching, Research and Development is seeking a motivated scientist to lead the research activities of the «Lower Extremities» subdivision, starting on October 1, 2025, or by mutual agreement. The group’s primary focus is Outcomes Research based on observational data collected in our in-house registries. Further details about the clinic’s research priorities and publications can be found on the research section of our website.

The Head of Research for the Lower Extremities Group plays a key leadership role within the Schulthess Clinic’s Teaching, Research & Development (TR&D) department. This role is responsible for shaping and driving the strategic and operational direction of the group, delivering clinically relevant, high-impact research aligned with the clinic’s mission. We are looking for a visionary leader with a strong scientific background, proven expertise in applied data science, and a track record of securing competitive funding.
 

• Lead our research group on lower extremity orthopaedics, including registries, predictive modeling and translational outcomes
• Develop and implement a research agenda aligned with the clinic’s overall strategy
• Collaborate closely with our clinical departments, especially with the clinicians in the lower extremities department
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers and clinicians
• Secure competitive external research funding
• Publish in high-impact journals and present at leading international conferences
• Contribute to teaching and continuing education activities
• Represent the clinic in professional societies and strategic networks
• Ensure the ongoing development, management, and expansion of current and future registries focused on the lower extremities and adherence to ethical standards, internal policies
• Act as the department’s applied data science expert, contributing advanced analytical insights, modeling techniques, and data-driven strategies
• Build and strengthen strategic collaborations with academic partners, industry stakeholders, and research institutions to foster innovation, collaborative projects, and knowledge exchange
• Ensure fiscal responsibility, optimize resource utilization, and maintain financial transparency

• PhD and postdoc experience in orthopaedic research, applied data science, biomedical engineering, or a closely related field
• Proven leadership experience in clinical or translational research settings, including team management and operational oversight
• Strong scientific track record demonstrated through high-quality publications, regular presentations at national and international conferences, and active participation in relevant professional societies and committees
• Expertise across the clinical research process from study design to publication, in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards
• Successful acquisition of competitive funding, with a history of securing peer-reviewed grants and delivering output with high clinical relevance and impact
• Advanced data science skills (specifically R, Python), including statistical modeling, multivariable analysis, and working with large clinical datasets
• Experience in orthopedic research, particularly related to lower extremity outcomes, is highly desirable
• Interdisciplinary experience with or knowledge in areas such as imaging, robotics, surgical techniques, medical devices, biomarkers, musculoskeletal modeling, or wearable sensors technologies, is considered an advantage
• Clinical alignment mindset – open to adapting research scope in accordance with clinical priorities, even if they deviate from personal research interests
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex topics to diverse audiences—including students, clinicians, researchers, stakeholders, and the public—and to respond to feedback and criticism with diplomacy and constructive dialogue.
• Excellent organizational abilities, with the capacity to prioritize, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines under pressure
• High integrity and professional ethics, with trustworthy and dependable character
• Fluency in English, particularly in scientific and medical contexts; German proficiency or willingness to learn is expected
   

We offer a responsible and diverse leadership role within a motivated and collaborative team, supported by a strong research culture and excellent working conditions. You will benefit from a modern and dynamic work environment in one of Europe’s leading orthopedic clinics, flexible working hours with the expectation of a minimum 60% on-site presence, tailored by mutual agreement, supportive peers and leadership, fostering professional growth and scientific excellence, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care and contribute to the long-term success of the clinic.

If you are interested, we look forward to receiving your online application. Please upload a 2-page research statement in addition to the required documents via the online portal.

For further information about this position, please contact Prof. Dr. Annegret Mündermann, Chair of Research, E-Mail schreiben.