Postdoc in Metabolomics (f/m/d)

The Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) in Jena is a federal and state government-funded research institute and member of the Leibniz Association (Leibniz-Gemeinschaft). FLI’ s internationally visible and highly competitive research is focused on understanding the mechanisms of aging and associated age-related diseases. Scientists from over 40 countries are currently investigating the molecular mechanisms of aging and the occurrence of age-related diseases. Our aim is to create the basis for new approaches in medicine as a way to improve the health of the elderly (www.leibniz-fli.de ).

The research group “Host-Microbiome Metabolism” led by Dr. Clara Correia-Melo is looking for an enthusiastic

for a start from October

The Postdoctoral research project is integrated in a Human Frontiers Science Program (HFSP) collaborative grant aiming to systematically evaluate the chemical nature and source of bioactive modified nucleotides (modN), their cross-species effects, as well as a comprehensive understanding of respective modifying-detoxifying enzymes. This research project will be performed in close collaboration with the other envolved groups at ETH-Zurich (Beitrao Lab) and UCL-London (Fugger Lab), which will perform work enabling the prediction and evolutionary characterization of nucleotide modifying enzymes, as well as characterize the physiological impact of bioactive modN repectively. Integrated in the HFSP Reserach Grant Program, the postdoc will also have the opportunity to be part of the HFSP wider network of innovative science.

Your Tasks:

• scientific work in the Human Frontier Science Program in close collaboration with the partners
• characterise the chemical identity, abundance and biological origin of modNs across species, particularly in human and a gut bacteria samples
• use various experimental techniques such as robotics-based tools for high-throughput (HTP) mammalian and microbiome culture & chemical analysis by mass spectrometry (MS)
• automate and parallelise the modNs profiling experiments
• plan and manage experiments
• supervise students at a different level of training
• be responsible for project communication

Your qualifications:

• PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, or related field
• Technical expertise in Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS)
• Published or submitted research articles or patents
• Strong commitment and work ethics and ability to work as part of a collaborative team
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English
• will be a plus:
• Technical expertise in performing microbial and/or mammalian cell culture
• Programming skills in R or other programming languages
• Enthusiasm to handle large datasets

We offer:

• An opportunity to join a research project under a HFSP Reserach Grant, including to work in close collaboration with worldleading Scientific Institutes and to integrate the HFSP  wider community.
• An opportunity to join a very well-equipped Lab with state-of-the-art high-throughput robotics & mass spectrometry instrumentation, located in a dynamic, stimulating, multidisciplinary work environment.
• Ability to lead cutting-edge research projects using a range of complementary methods and techniques to address focused questions.
• Access to multiple state-of-the-art facilities. Our work is embedded in the Beutenberg Campus , an interdisciplinary base for innovative research
• A position integrated in the FLI PostDoc Network . The Network promotes interdisciplinary collaborations involving clinician scientists, basic scientists, and bioinformaticians and supports career development and postdoctoral training courses
• The contract conditions and the salary will be according to the collective labour agreement for public service employees of the federal states of Germany (TV-L E13) for two years initially, with a possible extension to three years.
• Wide range of opportunities for professional and personal development
• Flexible working time, a family friendly working environment that provides a healthy work-life balance, company health management including support for child care solutions and dual career options

Application:

Please apply online through the FLI application portal by 31.08.2024.

FLI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and promotes diversity. It aims to increase the proportion of underrepresented groups in case of equal suitability. All qualified persons, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law will receive consideration for employment.