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.

We invite applications to join the Junior Research Group of Neurocircuit Development and Function (NDF) for

1 Postdoc (m/f/d)

starting as soon as possible.

Specifically, the Junior Research Group is interested in neuronal circuits that control metabolism (food intake, energy expenditure, activity etc.) as well as associated behaviors (e. g. stress, reward). The group focuses on actions of the melanocortin receptors in the brain as well as how the maternal dietary environment can negatively influence the development and function of these brain circuits changing energy homeostasis and behavior of offspring resulting in the onset of ageing-related diseases.

Tasks

• Use transgenic mouse models to understand underlying neuronal physiology
• Implantation of osmotic minipumps/stereotaxic implantation of cannulas for the delivery of compounds
• Performing metabolic and behavioral tests to assess alterations to whole animal physiology in acute and longitudinal studies
• Writing of manuscripts and presentation of research results (in scientific journals, colloquia and conferences)
• Active involvement in research networks (e. g. DZD)

Skills and Requirements

• Excellent master and doctoral degree in neuroscience, biochemistry, biology or any related discipline
• Experience with modern molecular biological and biochemical methods (immunohistochemistry, RNAScope etc.), prior experience with behavioral tests/surgical procedures and analysis (i. e. DeepLabCut, Boris, SimBA)
• Experience in animal experimentation (FELASA or equivalent is a requirement)
• Expertise in molecular biological and advanced imaging (confocal and fluorescence) techniques and analysis programs (FIJI/ImageJ etc.)
• Ability to work independently and to supervise interns and undergraduates
• Excellent English (in speaking and writing) and computer skills, knowledge of German is a bonus, but not required

Applicants should be highly-motivated, ambitious and hard-working scientists who wish to be part of a collaborative, international team within a superb scientific environment

We expect excellent achievements, reliability, initiative and outstanding commitment.

We offer:

• 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_W09_L as a single pdf-file before January 7th, 2026 via e-mail to jobs(at)dife.de.

For further information please do not hesitate to contact:

Dr. Rachel Lippert

We process your application documents for the purpose of carrying out the application procedure in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b) GDPR, Art. 88 GDPR. For more information on the collection, processing and use of personal data by the German Institute of Human Nutrition as part of the application process and your rights under data protection law, please contact the Department of Human Resources and Social Services (jobs(at)dife.de).