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

Helmholtz Zentrum München - Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

30 days annual leave

Relocation support

Zusammenfassung

Helmholtz Zentrum München - Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt invites a Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/x) to join the Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC) in a cross-disciplinary project on metabolic aging and brain aging mechanisms. The position is funded under the DZD NEXT Young Talent Program and runs for two years, with potential extension.

The role focuses on molecular, epigenetic, and sequencing analyses in murine models, contributing to a broader research group and

Qualifikationen

• PhD in neuroscience or related field with strong interest in metabolic aging and/or neurobiology.
• Experience with high-throughput sequencing data analysis (RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq).
• Independent, proactive, and able to pursue scientific questions.
• Excellent written and spoken English; interdisciplinary collaboration in an international environment.
• Experience with murine brain tissue, neuroanatomy or hypothalamic research.

Aufgaben

• Conduct experimental research to investigate molecular and epigenetic mechanisms linking early-life metabolic stress to hypothalamic aging.
• Work with murine models: tissue collection, processing, sectioning, anatomical analysis of hypothalamic regions.
• Apply molecular, histological, and epigenetic methods to study aging-related changes in the hypothalamus.
• Analyze high-dimensional sequencing data (RNA-seq, scRNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq) and integrate results.
• Develop research questions and contribute to project development.
• Collaborate with Helmholtz Munich and DZD network colleagues.
• Present findings at publications, seminars, and conferences.

Kenntnisse

PhD in neuroscience

Molecular biology

Sequencing data analysis

English proficiency

Animal models

Immunohistochemistry

Neuroendocrine research

Ausbildung

PhD degree

Tools

RNA-seq

Single-cell sequencing

ChIP-seq

RNAscope

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company Helmholtz Zentrum München - Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt Research Field Medical sciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 30 Nov 2026 - 15:14 (UTC) Country Germany Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Other Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Area of research:

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

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

103020

Full time
39 hrs./week

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

Institute for Diabetes and Cancer (IDC)

at Helmholtz Munich aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking metabolic dysfunction, diabetes, and tumorigenesis. The research group Metabolic Programming across Generations

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.

• 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
• 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."

Get to know us

• Career Development: Postdoc program, scientific training & career center with tailored offers
• Scientific Resources: State-of-the-art infrastructure 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

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

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.

Learn more about diversity at Helmholtz Munich

Our commitment

Learn more about how we use AI in recruiting.

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.