Postdoc (m / f / div) in the Junior Research Group Muscle Physiology and Metabolism (MPM)

The German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE) is a member of the Leibniz Association. The institute’s mission is to conduct experimental and clinical research in the field of nutrition and health, with the aim of understanding the molecular basis of nutrition-dependent diseases, and of developing new strategies for treatment and prevention ().

The Junior Research Group Muscle Physiology and Metabolism (MPM) is inviting applications for one

Postdoc (m / f / div)

starting in January 2024 .

Your Mission :

Obesity and its metabolic complications such as type 2 diabetes plague our healthcare system. While recent advances in pharmacotherapy are promising to treat obesity, cost-effective and widely available solutions are lacking. Interestingly, dietary intake of special lipids called medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are fatty acids consisting of 8–12 carbon atoms, has been shown to increase energy expenditure, to limit food intake, and to improve insulin resistance. We very recently found that intake of a small amount of MCFAs can help prevent insulin resistance in humans overfed with a high-fat diet. Despite these diverse systemic metabolic benefits, the mechanisms for how MCFAs achieve these effects are completely unknown.

Using cell culture techniques and in vivo experimentation with transgenic mice, it will be your mission to investigate the mode-of-action for how MCFAs benefit health. This work has the potential to uncover new pathways within or among different organs that can be discreetly targeted to elicit distinct, personalized metabolic benefits to treat and / or prevent metabolic diseases.

Your Skills and Requirements :

• Excellent PhD in life sciences, biology, biochemistry, or similar
• Experience in conducting animal studies within the area of nutrition or metabolism
• Experience in working with cell culture
• Laboratory skills related to metabolism, biochemistry, and molecular biology
• Experience with data analyses, interpretation, and presentation
• Curious mindset, intrinsic motivation, and ability to work independently in an interactive research environment
• Excellent English language skills

Our Offer :

The advertised position is initially available for a duration of three years. The level of salary will be determined on the basis of standard  / tariff conditions, present qualifications, and professional experience (TV-L, level E 13).

We are looking forward to your application!

Apply now ⟶