Postdoc (m/w/d) / Junior Research Group of Cardiac Aging and Nutrition (CAN)

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 (https://www.dife.de/en/).

We invite applications to join the Junior Research Group of Cardiac Aging and Nutrition for

1 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, including in vivo cardiac phenotyping
• Isolation and analysis of primary liver and heart muscle cells from mice
• In vivo assessment of cardiac function using mouse echocardiography
• Preparation of tissue sections (liver and heart) using a microtome

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’s degree and PhD in biology, nutrition science, medicine, or a related discipline
• Experience with mammalian cell culture (including primary cells) is desirable
• Knowledge of pluripotent stem cell cultivation is desirable
• Experience with and high motivation for microscopy (preparation and staining (IF, IHC), confocal and fluorescence microscopy, analysis and evaluation)
• Experience with quantitative analysis of imaging or physiological data (e.g., microscopy, cardiac imaging or echocardiography) is an advantage
• 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)
• If the requirements are met, 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 promote the employment of people with severe disabilities and are committed to equal opportunities for them. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they have the same qualifications.

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 2026_W03_L as a single pdf-file before April 19^th, 2026 via e-mail tojobs(at)dife.de.  

For further information please do not hesitate to contact:

Dr. Christiane Ott

Head of the Junior Research Group CAN

E-Mail: Christiane.Ott(at)dife.de

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).