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

Helmholtz Munich; München; Vor Ort; EUR 55.000 - 70.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Relocation support

Career development: postdoc program

Core facilities access

30 days annual leave

Zusammenfassung

Helmholtz Munich is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the IDC Metabolic Programming group. The project investigates maternal metabolic stress and brain aging using cross‑species, sequencing‑based approaches in an interdisciplinary, international setting.

The role involves experimental work in murine models, tissue processing, and analysis of RNA‑seq and epigenomic data, with opportunities for publication and conference presentation.

Qualifikationen

• PhD in neuroscience, molecular biology, physiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, or a related field.
• Strong research experience in molecular biology, neuroscience, metabolism, or a related field.
• Experience with high‑throughput sequencing data analysis (RNA‑seq, single‑cell/single‑nucleus RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq, ChIP‑seq).
• Excellent communication skills and proactive, independent working style.
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration in an international research environment.

Aufgaben

• Conduct experimental research to investigate molecular and epigenetic mechanisms linking early‑life metabolic stress to hypothalamic aging and metabolic health.
• Perform studies in murine models, including tissue collection, processing, sectioning, and anatomical analysis of hypothalamic regions.
• Apply molecular, histological, and epigenetic approaches to characterize aging‑associated changes in the hypothalamus.
• Analyze high‑dimensional sequencing datasets (RNA‑seq, single‑cell RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq, ChIP‑seq).
• Develop research questions independently and contribute to project development.
• Collaborate with team members and DZD network partners; present findings at conferences.

Kenntnisse

Molecular biology

Neuroscience

Metabolism

Data analysis

Communication skills

Ausbildung

PhD in neuroscience or related field

Tools

RNA‑seq analysis

Single‑cell RNA‑seq

ATAC‑seq

ChIP‑seq

Jobbeschreibung

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.

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."

Get to know us

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

Learn more about diversity at Helmholtz Munich

Our commitment

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.