PhD student (m/f/d) Metabolic Function & Biosignals

The Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich (Leibniz-LSB@TUM), a legal foundation under civil law in Freising, is a research institution of the Leibniz Association that combines methods of biomolecular basic research with analysis methods of bioinformatics and analytical high-performance technologies to investigate the complex interplay between the human organism and food ingredients.

The research group Metabolic Function & Biosignals/Section II at Leibniz-LSB@TUM is currently looking for a

to start on August 1st. The position is to be filled on a part-time (65%) basis for an initial period of 1 year, with the option to prolong for at least another two years. Prof. Dr. Veronika Somoza will supervise the PhD project.

Research project and work environment

You will have the great opportunity to join the LSB’s research group “Metabolic Function & Biosignals”. The group focuses on chemoreceptor-mediated effects of food constituents on the human body or other biosystems that go beyond sensory perception. As such, you will be working in a multidisciplinary environment, utilizing methods of various research fields, including cell biology, chemical and bioanalysis, to find new, innovative ways to advance food reformulation, develop personalized nutrition concepts or ensure high food quality & safety for a changing world. The specific objectives of the project will be developed in relation to the candidate’s experience and interests but have a strong cell biology related component.
Your area of responsibility includes

• Characterizing chemoreceptors in a cellular model system using mostly biochemical
• and cell biology assays
• Eukaryotic cell culture and transfection of cell lines
• Gene expression analyses
• Interdisciplinary collaborations with other groups at the LSB and beyond
• Organizational tasks and duties

Requirements and desired expertise:

The ideal applicant should have

• a graduation in biochemistry, molecular/cell biology, or related field
• advanced knowledge and practical experience in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, as well as in cell culture techniques
• practical experience in gene expression analyses, especially quantitative RT-PCR and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) (essential)
• basic knowledge in food chemistry and superior interest in food systems biology, and food-related research
• great ambition and motivation to work on complex research questions by applyingcutting-edge experimental methodologies

We are seeking a creative, passionate individual with excellent interpersonal communication, time- management skills, and strong willingness to work in an interdisciplinary environment. We are looking for a highly motivated team player, who can work independently as well.

In addition to a highly stimulating workplace where your performance counts, we offer

• a performance-related salary in accordance with TV-L, in-line with your personal qualifications and the personal prerequisites
• an interesting and varied task area in the field of university research
• a motivated team that is looking forward to welcoming you
• flexible working times and therefore good compatibility of work and family company pension scheme
• special annual payment

In the case of essentially reciprocal suitability, severely-disabled applicants as defined SGB IX will be preferred.

Please address any questions on current topics to Prof. Veronika Somoza (v.somoza.leibnizlsb(at)tum.de ) and get in touch if you think you would be interested in working as part of our team. More information on the working group can be found here: https://www.leibniz-lsb.de/en/research/research-sections/section-ii/

Send your application with the usual documents, containing your comprehensive CV and transcripts as well as names of three potential references electronically as a PDF file to the following address, citing the reference number: 2023-03-S2-VS Katharina Ranner (Human Resources Department) recruiting.leibniz-lsb(at)tum.de .