German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE), Potsdam-Rehbrücke

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.

Postdoc (m/f/d)

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 - in particular the liver and heart, but potentially also skeletal muscle and adipose tissue - 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 the following areas:

• 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. These will be used to perform in vitro electrophysiological, pharmacological, and metabolic investigations (e.g. measurement of oxygen consumption, analysis of redox metabolism, investigation of mitochondrial functions).

An already established section culture model from the hippocampus serves as a methodological reference framework for functional measurements on liver and heart sections.

Skills and Requirements

• Excellent Master and Doctoral Degree in the areas 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 3 years.

We look forward to your application!

Please send your documents (cover letter explaining your motivation, CV, copies of degrees/certificates and references) with reference number 2025_W06_L as a single pdf-file before September 30th, 2025 via e-mail to jobs(at)dife.de.

For further information please do not hesitate to contact:

Dr. Christiane Ott