PhD-position (m/f/d)- Institute of Human Genetics, Molecular Physiology

IT-Systemhaus der Bundesagentur für Arbeit; Lübeck; Vor Ort; EUR 30.000 - 40.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading university in Germany is seeking a doctoral researcher for a PhD position focusing on metabolic research. This fully funded role for 3 years, starting in February or March 2026, involves studying the link between adipose tissue metabolism and metabolic diseases. Applicants should have a Master's in Molecular Biology or related Life Sciences, along with relevant laboratory experience. The position offers a family-friendly working environment and a chance to join a motivated team at the early stages of the research project.

Leistungen

Salary based on the German E13 TV-L scale

Family-friendly working environment

Collaborative research team

Attractive UKSH benefits

Qualifikationen

• Hands-on experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques.
• Interest and knowledge in analyzing big datasets such as RNAseq data.
• Previous experience with metabolic phenotyping or animal experimentation is a plus.

Aufgaben

• Conduct research on mechanisms linking adipose tissue metabolism to metabolic disease.
• Participate in in-vitro and in-vivo studies in mouse models of obesity.
• Assess systemic and cellular energy metabolism and perform OMIC analyses.

Kenntnisse

Curiosity

Resilience

Molecular biology techniques

Fluency in English

Ausbildung

Master in Molecular Biology or related Life Sciences

Jobbeschreibung

PhD-position (m/f/d)- Institute of Human Genetics, Molecular Physiology

Beginn

We are recruiting a doctoral researcher at the Institute of Human Genetics, UKSH, at the Universität zu Lübeck. The PhD position will focus on experimental approaches to uncover mechanisms linking adipose tissue metabolism to metabolic disease. The PhD position is fully funded for 3 years and is expected to start in February or March 2026.

Research Group Focus and Proposed Project

Dysfunctional adipose tissue, often resulting from chronic overnutrition or inflammation, causes lipids to accumulate in organs such as liver and muscle. This triggers insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance, ultimately contributing to metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular or fatty liver diseases. Our group focuses on endocrine and molecular mechanisms that enhance energy expenditure to improve metabolic health. The new project aims to investigate the impact of metabolic activation of (dys)functional adipose tissue in‑vitro and in‑vivo in the context of metabolic health. Using human and mouse adipocyte cultures, gain- and loss-of-function approaches (e.g., siRNA, AAV) will be performed. In parallel, in vivo studies will be conducted in mouse models of obesity. Systemic and cellular energy metabolism will be assessed alongside molecular assays, OMIC analyses, and imaging to characterize the resulting geno‑ and phenotypes.

Research environment

Professor Susanne Keipert started her professorship at the Universität zu Luebeck in November 2025 and is currently building up her research group. This creates the unique opportunity to join a new, highly motivated team at an early stage. Her group is part of the Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), based at the Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM) and affiliated with the Precision Health in Schleswig-Holstein (PHSH). Together, these connections provide a highly collaborative and stimulating research environment.

What we offer:

• The salary will be based on the German E13 TV-L scale (65%) if terms and conditions under collective bargaining law are fulfilled
• Part‑time employment currently 25 hours/week
• A family‑friendly working environment, with a commitment to improving work‑life balance
• A highly motivated team and an exciting project
• You can find more attractive UKSH benefits here: Benefits (uksh.de)

Your profile

We are looking for a candidate who demonstrate curiosity, resilience, and a strong interest in metabolic research and holds a Master in Molecular Biology, Molecular Medicine, Nutritional Science or related Life Sciences. Fluency in English, both spoken and written as well as hands‑on experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques is required. Interest and knowledge in analyzing big datasets (such as RNAseq data) is a strong advantage and previous experience with metabolic phenotyping or animal experimentation is a plus.

Application

Your application should include a cover letter, CV, transcripts of records, and contacts of two referees. For further information on the projects and positions, please contact Professor Susanne Keipert ([e-mail] ).

We are looking forward to your application. Please submit your application until 07.01.2026 indicating the reference number 27679.