Postdoc (m/f/div) in the Junior Research Group of Cardiac Aging and Nutrition

The German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE) invites applications to join the Junior Research Group of Cardiac Aging and Nutrition as one Postdoc (m/f/div) starting as soon as possible.

Project description:

As part of a project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the successful candidate will investigate how a high-fat diet (HFD) affects various organ systems, particularly the liver and heart, in a mouse model. In addition, the GLP-1 analog semaglutide will be administered to evaluate its therapeutic effects on metabolic and structural changes.

The project will focus on: Investigation of structural and functional changes in the heart and liver in animal experiments; Isolation and analysis of primary liver and heart muscle cells from mice; Preparation of tissue sections (liver and heart) using a microtome; Performance of functional assays and microscopic analyses for computer-assisted modeling of liver and heart metabolism; Knowledge of pluripotent stem cell cultivation is desirable.

In addition to established molecular biological and biochemical methods, the project includes the establishment and application of organotypic section cultures of the heart and liver for in vitro electrophysiological, pharmacological, and metabolic investigations (e.g., measurement of oxygen consumption, analysis of redox metabolism, investigation of mitochondrial functions).

Skills and requirements:

• Excellent master and doctoral degree in a biological, nutritional, or medical discipline
• Experience with and high motivation for microscopy (preparation and staining [IF, IHC], confocal and fluorescence microscopy, analysis and evaluation)
• Knowledge of electrophysiology and/or oxygen/redox measurements is an advantage
• Experience in conducting animal experiments (FELASA B certificate required)
• High degree of initiative, independent and structured way of working, and willingness to develop and implement your own ideas within the project framework

We offer:

• Close collaboration with experimental colleagues and bioinformaticians at the institute
• A dynamic and interactive research environment as well as excellent working conditions and outstanding technical equipment
• Support in establishing new methods (e.g., organotypic cultures)
• Salary will be paid in accordance with TV-L, level 13
• Family-friendly working conditions (certificate “audit berufundfamilie”)
• Supporting of mobility with a jobticket for using the public transport
• Easy accessibility by public transport or car (including free parking)
• 30 days of vacation
• Participation in the benefits program for employees (“Corporate Benefits”)

The position is available for three years.

Please send your documents (cover letter explaining your motivation, CV, copies of degrees/certificates, and references) with reference number 2025_W06_AP as a single PDF file before September 30th, 2025, via e-mail to jobs@dife.de.

For further information please contact:

Dr. Christiane Ott, Head of the Junior Research Group CAN, E-mail: christiane.ott@dife.de

Dr. Nikolaus Berndt, Project Leader MTOX, E-mail: nikolaus.berndt@dife.de