1 Postdoc (m/f/d) / Junior Research Group Neurocircuit Development and Function

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.

We invite applications for the Junior Research Group Neurocircuit Development and Function (NDF) for

1 Postdoc (m/f/d)

Specifically, the Junior Research Group is interested in neuronal circuits that control metabolism in the mouse model (food intake, energy expenditure, activity etc.) as well as how the maternal dietary environment can negatively influence the development and function of these brain circuits changing energy homeostasis and behavior of the offspring.

This position is uniquely targeted towards individuals interested in conducting research in the wet lab while dedicating effort to administrative tasks related to animal research.

Your Tasks:

Leading a research project focused on maternal food choice behavior throughout pregnancy/lactation in mouse models​​​​​

• Presentation of research results (in scientific journals, colloquia and national conferences)
• Project design, data collection and subsequent analysis

Support ongoing in vivo and ex vivo mice experiments related to the intersection of food and behavior such as:

• Functional analysis of circuits using in vivo genetic modulations (i.e. photometry and chemogenetic)
• Identification of altered neurocircuit development using in vitro (primary explants) and in vivo techniques
• Immunohistochemical analysis of neural circuits
• Performing metabolic and behavioral tests to assess alterations to whole animal physiology

Manage existing animal ethics permits

• Submission of addendums, reports, notification of new researchers
• Support with writing of new applications within the research group
• Creation of a database for permit applications, generalized text for interventions
• Researching literature
• Lead team internal continuing education sessions quarterly

The advertised position is available for 2 years.