Head of Research Group Lower Extremities – 100%

Head of Research Group Lower Extremities – 100%

The Schulthess Clinic in Zurich is one of Europe’s leading orthopedic hospitals employing over 1,300 dedicated professionals. Our mission is to relieve patients’ pain and restore their mobility, helping people regain their quality of life. As a specialist clinic, we focus on orthopedic surgery, neurology, rheumatology and sports medicine. We are also proud to serve as a Swiss Olympic Medical Center.

Our Department of Teaching, Research and Development is seeking a motivated scientist to lead the research activities of the “Lower Extremities” group, starting on October 1, 2025, or by mutual agreement. The group’s primary focus is Outcomes Research based on 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.

Head of Research Group Lower Extremities – 100%

Positional Overview

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.

Your Responsibilities

• 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 and 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

Your Profile

• PhD and postdoc experience in orthopaedic research, applied data science, biomedical engineering, or a closely related field
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in academic or clinical research
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Proven success in securing external research funding
• Expertise in applied data science, clinical registries, and predictive modeling
• Additional strengths in one or more of the following: biomechanics, medical imaging, implant design, medical devices, or biomarkers
• Fluency in English and at least basic German knowledge and willingness to learn are required.
• Strong interpersonal and team leadership skills
• Demonstrated commitment to collaborative and strategic research

We Offer

We offer a leadership role a well-established and growing research environment. 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, 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, annegret.muendermann@kws.ch.
Online Application
Lengghalde 2, CH-8008 Zürich, Tel. +41 44 385 71 71, www.schulthess-klinik.ch