Doctoral Student (m/f/div)

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

The Department of Molecular Metabolism and Precision Nutrition investigates hormonal and molecular mechanisms involved in the nutritional regulation of the human metabolism. Currently, the focus of the department lies on the role of the circadian clock in metabolic regulation by nutrition. The department is looking for one

Doctoral Student (m/f/div)

starting on October 2025.

The successful candidate will contribute to the project in terms of the new DFG-funded Collaborative Research Center (SFB) “Foundations of Circadian Medicine” in cooperation with the Charité – Universitätsmedizin (location in Berlin-Buch). This project aims to investigate circadian rhythms of metabolism and immune parameters, as well as the effects of intermittent fasting, in individuals with multiple sclerosis compared to healthy participants.

Your tasks:

• Support of 24-hour patient examinations and blood sample processing
• Preparation of dietary plans, nutritional advice, and evaluation of dietary protocols
• Analysis of metabolic and activity data, biomarker analysis in blood samples, and molecular biology analysis of blood cells
• Cell culture experiments with primary human cells
• Evaluation of results, including rhythm analysis in time series and omics data
• Preparation of publications
• Presentation of research results (colloquia, conference contributions)

Your profile:

• MSc degree / Diploma in nutritional sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry, or another biological / medical field
• Experience in planning and conducting human studies and nutritional data analysis is preferred
• Experience in cell culture and molecular biology laboratory work is preferred
• Expertise in chronobiology and circadian rhythm analysis is advantageous
• Experience in bioinformatic analysis of omics data is advantageous
• High motivation and ability to work in interdisciplinary collaboration and in a diverse research environment
• Very high level of written and spoken German and English

We offer:

• Intensive scientific support, close collaboration with cooperating institutions and enrolment in a local PhD program
• Excellent technical equipment, a wide range of experimental methods, and a dynamic and interactive research environment
• Remuneration according to TV-L, level 13 (65 %), plus annual special payment and company pension scheme
• 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 advertised position is available for three years.

We look forward to welcoming a team player with high problem-solving skills, excellent achievements, and a high level of commitment.

Contact:

Please send your documents (cover letter explaining your motivation, CV, copies of degrees / certificates and references) with reference number 2025_W04_AP as a single PDF file before July 31st, 2025, via e-mail to [email protected].

For further information please do not hesitate to contact:

Prof. Dr. Olga Ramich
Head of the Department of Molecular Metabolism and Precision Nutrition
E-mail: [email protected]

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 ([email protected]).