Postdoc (f/m/x) – Neuroscience, Epigenetics and Metabolic Aging

103020

Full time
39 hrs./week

Neuherberg near Munich

At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real-life applications, improving lives.

The at Helmholtz Munich aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking metabolic dysfunction, diabetes, and tumorigenesis. The research group investigates how environmental and nutritional factors during early life and across generations affect metabolic health and disease susceptibility later in life.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/x) to join our interdisciplinary and international research team as part of a project funded through the DZD NEXT Young Talent Program of the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD).

The project aims to understand whether maternal metabolic stress during early development accelerates aging processes in the brain, particularly in brain regions that control metabolism. Using a cross-species approach, we will investigate the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms linking early-life metabolic conditions to brain aging and metabolic health later in life.

The position is available from January 2027 and is funded for two years.

Your tasks

• Conduct experimental research to investigate the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms linking early-life metabolic stress to hypothalamic aging and metabolic health
• Perform studies in murine models, including collection, processing, sectioning of brain tissue and anatomical analysis of hypothalamic regions
• Apply molecular, histological, and epigenetic approaches to characterize aging-associated changes in the hypothalamus
• Analyze and integrate high-dimensional sequencing datasets, including RNA-seq, single-cell/single-nucleus sequencing, ATAC-seq and/or ChIP-seq data
• Develop research questions independently and contribute intellectually to the further development of the project
• Work closely with members of our research group and collaborators within Helmholtz Munich and the DZD network
• Present and communicate research findings through publications, seminars, and national and international scientific conferences

Your profile

• PhD in neuroscience, molecular biology, physiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or a related field, with a strong interest in metabolic aging and/or neurobiology
• Strong research experience in molecular biology, neuroscience, metabolism, or a related field, combined with the ability to independently develop and pursue scientific questions
• Experience with high-throughput sequencing data analysis, such as RNA-seq, single-cell/single-nucleus RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, or ChIP-seq
• Strong scientific curiosity, problem-solving skills, and a proactive, independent working style
• Excellent communication skills and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration in an international research environment
• Excellent written and spoken English

Desirable qualifications

• Experience with murine models, brain tissue processing, mouse neuroanatomy, or hypothalamic/neuroendocrine research
• Experience with immunohistochemistry, RNAscope/in situ hybridization, metabolic phenotyping, or spatial molecular approaches
• Experience with single-cell/single-nucleus genomics and/or epigenomic data analysis

If you fulfill all the requirements, you may be eligible for a salary grade of up to E 13. Social benefits are based on the Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees (TVöD). The position has an (initial) fixed term of two years but may be extended under certain circumstances.

Managing Director Mike Frieser: „We believe that diversity is the key to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions. Our flexible working models and remote options create a supportive environment for balancing work and family life. For us, contributing to a healthier society in such an inspiring workplace is truly meaningful.“

Benefits

• Career Development: Postdoc program, scientific training & career center with tailored offers
• Scientific Resources: State-of-the-art infrastruture and Core Facilities
• Recreation: 30 days annual leave, flexi days, plus public holidays
• International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany
• Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives

Interested in applying?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Merly Carlotta Bonetta-Vogt, +4989318748674, who will be happy to help.

Our recruiting is decentralized - your application will be reviewed directly by the specialist department in which you could work in the future.

Please send your application only via our online application tool and with the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
• References from recent employers

If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree at the latest by the time you start work.

We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. In case of equal qualifications, preference will be given to applicants with severe disabilities.

Our commitment

Helmholtz Munich
Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH)
Institute for Diabetes and Cancer
Ingolstädter Landstraße 1
85764 Neuherberg