Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d)

We are announcing a full-time position as

Postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d)

Topic: Targeting host lipid metabolism in the M. tuberculosis macrophage interaction - Novel opportunities for host-directed adjunctive treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis

The Research Center Borstel (RCB) is an internationally operating Lung Center within the Leibniz Association, financed by the Federal Government and the State of Schleswig-Holstein. Our central task is basic and translational research in the field of respiratory diseases. We operate extensive laboratory and research infrastructures to improve existing methods for the detection, prevention and treatment of lung diseases and to develop innovative therapeutic approaches.

The Research Group Microbial Interface Biology (PD Dr. N. Reiling) focuses on the identification and characterization of unexplored signaling pathways in the interaction of macrophages with pathogenic mycobacteria of the M. tuberculosis complex. Recently, the group demonstrated that selective interference with host lipid metabolism limits M. tuberculosis growth in vitro and in vivo (Brandenburg J, et al., J Clin Invest 2021), a finding that opens new perspectives for host-directed adjunctive treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. Based on this observation, we offer a three-year position to study lipid metabolism in M. tuberculosis macrophage interaction in detail.

• Evaluate the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and efficacy of inhibitors of host lipid metabolism in a preclinical TB infection model that closely resembles the pathology observed in TB patients.
• Evaluate the effect of adjunctive treatment with inhibitors of host lipid metabolism on Mtb bacterial numbers and lipid levels, as well as the distribution of the drug in different organs.
• Method development employing high content imaging analyses to identify novel host-directed inhibitors that limit M.tuberculosis growth in macrophages.

• PhD in infection biology, microbiology, biochemistry or related fields
• Working experience in M. tuberculosis infection biology (BSL3) in primary cells and animals
• Experience in lipidomic, metabolomic or RNASeq analyses is of advantage
• Proof of successful independent project management and scientific writing is highly valued
• Good command of the German and/or English language

• Your new workplace is located in a top class research center close to Hamburg/Germany
• Become a member of a highly motivated team working on a translational tuberculosis project
• Collaborate with national and international project partners
• Receive payment according to TVöD-VKA incl. all benefits usually offered in the public sector
• Special personal atmosphere and support, family-friendly working conditions and flexible working hours
• Take advantage of a childcare centre on site and workplace health promotion

The FZB is certified for the "berufundfamilie" audit and specifically promotes the compatibility of career and family. The under-represented gender is given special consideration given equivalent professional and personal aptitude. Severely handicapped persons with otherwise equal aptitude are also given preferential consideration. For more information about our certifications, please visit our homepage.

For further information please contact PD Dr. Norbert Reiling ([email protected] ). Please apply with the usual documents (without photo) until November 1, 2022 exclusively via our website www.fz-borstel.de .

For us, your age, gender and sexual identity, your world view, your ethnicity or a handicap are not important. We are solely interested in your knowledge and skills and your ability to work in a team. If attractive work content and a solution-oriented approach are more important to you than formalities, you are in the right place!