Postdoctoral Researcher (all genders) - Department of Endocrinology

Our laboratory broadly studies how brain and body talk to each other in health and disease. Our research is primarily hypothesis-driven and based on the overarching premise that understanding physiology is a prerequisite for making sense of pathology. We are also convinced that innovative therapeutic approaches are discovered at the intersection of disciplines. We combine ideas and tools from a range of disciplines including metabolism research, neurosciences, (comparative) physiology, evolutionary biology and biochemistry, among others.

We recently discovered a set of stereotypical, adaptive dietary preferences during recovery from catabolic states, which are relayed by a gut-to-brain pathway (Jaschke et al., Cell). Based on these insights, we now want to understand how nutrient set points are regulated across a wider range of physiological states across lifespan, what the underlying logic of these adjustments is, and which neuroendocrine pathways mediate them.

Our lab is embedded in a highly interdisciplinary environment spanning clinicians, immunologists, infectious disease and metabolism researchers and physically embedded in the newly built Hamburg Center of Translational Immunology (HCTI). Our lab space is equipped with state-of-the-art tools, and we have access to a range of core facilities. We maintain our independent rodent colony comprising multiple transgenic mouse strains. We closely collaborate with a range of laboratories on campus, nationally as well as internationally including labs at Yale School of Medicine as well as the University of Colorado Boulder. Scientists from your group will join cross-institutional lab meetings and have the option to visit collaborators on-site to acquire new technical skills, if necessary. We have acquired multiple large volume third-party fundings, allowing us to both broadly survey interesting ideas, while also perform mechanistic in-depth studies.

We are a dynamic and highly motivated team that deeply appreciates diverse perspectives from different fields.

If you decide to join our group, you will be closely mentored by the PI and trained to become and independent scientist and thinker. We will also support a possible transition into scientific independence including training in grant writing.

Your tasks:

• Experimental in vivo and in vitro work including planning of experimental design, documentation and statistical analysis of results; interpretation, discussion and presentation of results
• Rodent colony management and assistance with animal protocols and documentation
• Contributing to a stimulating, curiosity-driven, collaborative research environment
• Scientific publishing

This position is temporary until 30.03.2029 due to third-party funding.

• Completed academic studies (Master or equivalent)
• A doctoral in biology, veterinary medicine or related fields
• A background in metabolism research, ribosomal biology and translation, developmental biology, general physiology, comparative physiology, neurosciences, or neuroscience-related fields is favorable
• At least 3 years of experience in working with mice
• Successful completion of animal training courses (FELASA B or equivalent; ideally, FELASA C)
• Experience in mouse colony management and animal protocol application
• Publication record demonstrating successful performance of high-quality research
• 2 letters of recommendation from former mentors (to be submitted with application)
• Curiosity and passion for scientific discovery
• Broad scientific interests

• Fair and transparent compensation in accordance with our collective bargaining agreement (TVöD/VKA) (€ 63,600 – € 91,100), taking into account qualifications and professional experience. The salary range applies to a full-time position of 38.5 hours per week. The amounts listed are guidelines and do not constitute a salary guarantee.
• Targeted and individualized professional development at both the technical and project levels is provided, offering long-term prospects in a meaningful work environment
• Comprehensive continuing education and training programs at our UKE Academy for Education and Career
• Opportunities to help shape our “UKE INside” personnel policy through cross-functional and cross-hierarchical projects
• Sustainable commuting: Subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket and Dr. Bike bicycle service
• Excellent health, prevention, and sports programs
• Family-friendly work environment: Partnerships for childcare, free vacation care, counseling for employees with family members requiring care
• A secure job, meaningful work, and a supportive team environment
• Structured onboarding and open knowledge sharing within the team
• Our employee restaurant offers a wide variety of culinary options; additional options are available at the “Health Kitchen” cafés and bistros and at a supermarket located directly on the premises

We live diversity and value variety

We offer a work environment that provides equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, ethnic and social origin, or religion. This is confirmed by our accession to the Charter of Diversity. We explicitly aim to increase the proportion of women in management positions, especially among scientific personnel in research and teaching. Women with equal qualifications will be given priority. The same applies in the case of under-representation of one gender in the advertised area. Persons with severe disabilities with equal aptitude, competence, and professional performance will be given priority.

> Learn more about "Diversity at UKE" here.