Doctoral Student (m/f/div) – Acetyl-CoA Metabolism in Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes

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 Molecular Physiology of Exercise and Nutrition (MPEN) is inviting applications for one position as

Doctoral Student (m/f/div)

starting as soon as possible.

Project description:

This project investigates the role of acetyl-CoA metabolism in the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Using mouse models and state-of-the-art metabolic approaches, we study how acetyl-CoA dynamics are regulated in metabolically relevant tissues, such as skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and liver. Acetyl-CoA is not only a central energy metabolite linking glucose and lipid metabolism, but also an important signaling molecule that influences cellular function through protein and histone acetylation. The project focuses on enzymes controlling acetyl-CoA homeostasis and aims to understand how alterations in these pathways affect metabolic health.

Specifically, the candidate will perform the following tasks:

• Management and maintenance of transgenic mouse colonies, including breeding strategies, genotyping, and colony organization
• Planning and performing in vivo metabolic experiments in mice to investigate glucose homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and substrate utilization under physiological and disease conditions
• Downstream analysis of tissues and biological samples, including molecular signaling analyses, histology, and blood-based metabolite measurements, to assess metabolic and cellular adaptations

Requirements and Skills:

• Excellent M.Sc. (or equivalent) in life science, biology, nutritional science, medicine, or biochemistry
• Experience in animal intervention studies within the area of metabolism, FELASA certificate (or equivalent) would be desirable
• Strong laboratory-based skills related to metabolism, biochemistry, and molecular biology
• Experience with data analysis and presentation
• High degree of motivation and ability to work in an interactive research environment
• Excellent English (spoken and in writing) and data analysis and presentation abilities
• Curious mindset with a good knowledge of the relevant literature on metabolism and physiology

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 promote the employment of people with severe disabilities and are committed to equal opportunities for them. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they have the same qualifications.

We look forward to your application!

Please send your documents (cover letter explaining your motivation, CV, copies of degrees / certificates and references) with reference number 2026_W06_AP as a single PDF file before June 19th, 2026, via e-mail to [email protected].

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact:

Prof. Dr. Maximilian Kleinert
Head of Department of Molecular Physiology of Exercise and 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]).