Doctoral Candidate (m/f/d) in the field of macrophage metabolism in the context of obesity

With more than 16,000 students and 3,800 employees, the Technische Universität Braunschweig is one of Germany´s leading institutes of technology. It stands for strategic and performance-oriented thinking and acting, relevant research, committed teaching, and the successful transfer of knowledge and technologies to the economy and society. We consistently advocate for family friendliness and equal opportunities.

Our research focuses are mobility, engineering for health, metrology, and city of the future. Strong engineering and natural sciences are our core disciplines. These are closely interconnected with economics, social and educational sciences and humanities.

Our campus is located in the midst of one of the most research-intensive regions in Europe. We work successfully together with over 20 research institutions in our neighborhood as we do with our international partner universities.

Starting from the earliest possible date, the research Group of “Pathometabolism of Myeloid Cells” at the Department of Bioinformatics and Biochemistry is looking for a

Doctoral Candidate (m/f/d) in the field of macrophage metabolism in the context of obesity
(EG 13 TV-L, part-time (50%))

The position is to be filled on a fixed-term basis for a period of 3 years. The successful applicant will be given the opportunity to pursue a doctorate.

The research Group of “Pathometabolism of Myeloid Cells” at the Department of Bioinformatics and Biochemistry investigates cellular metabolism of myeloid cells in the context of tumor development and obesity-associated conditions. In particular, we focus on cellular metabolites associated with pathologic conditions-triggered myeloid cell activation.

Our research focuses on obesity-associated intracellular metabolites in macrophages. In preliminary study, we have identified multiple metabolites accumulating in macrophages of obesity-related models in vitro and in vivo. The Doctoral Candidate (m/f/d) will investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the accumulation of these metabolites, discover how these metabolites affect macrophage metabolism and functions in the context of obesity, and reveal these metabolites-initiated intercellular crosstalk between macrophages and adipocytes/hepatocytes. Expectedly, this study will provide a vital basis for the development of novel dietary/pharmaceutical intervention in obesity and its associated complications such as insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes, fatty liver, etc. This project is in a close collaboration with Prof. Zeinab Abdullah (Institute for Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Bonn). The in vivo part of this project will be performed in her lab.

Your tasks

• You will carry out research in the field of macrophage metabolism in the context of obesity
• You will apply both in vitro cell-based models and in vivo mouse models
• You will publish research findings in international journals
• You will participate in national and international conferences
• You will be involved in teaching at the University (preparation and implementation of courses as well as supervision of students’ work).

Your Qualifications

• You have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology or related fields
• You have strong interests in metabolism, immunology and diseases
• You have very good knowledge of the German and English language
• Working experiences in Biochemistry, Cell Biology and/or Immunology are not mandatory, but would be helpful
• Experiences in Bioinformatics and animal handling are not required but would be as well an advantage
• You are ambitious and can work well in a team
• You are aiming for a doctorate.

We offer

• Work on exciting future-oriented research topics in an inspiring work environment as part of the university community
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including metabolomics and stable isotope labeling platforms and high-end mass-spectrometry
• Opportunities to participate interdisciplinary collaborations
• A vibrant campus life in an international atmosphere with lots of intercultural offers
• Pay in accordance with the collective agreement TV-L (a special payment at the end of the year as well as a supplementary benefit in the form of a company pension, comparable to a company pension in the private sector) including 30 days' vacation per year
• A special continuing education program for young scientists as well as other offerings from the Central Personnel Development Department and sports activities.

Further notes

We welcome applicants (m/f/d) of all nationalities. At the same time, we encourage people with severe disabilities to apply. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Please attach a proof of disability to your application. We are also working on the fulfilment of the Central Equality Plan based on the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz—NGG) and strive to reduce under-representation in all areas and positions as defined by the NGG. Therefore, applications from women are particularly welcome in this case.

The personal data will be stored for the purpose of processing the application. By submitting your application, you agree that your data may be stored and processed electronically for application purposes in compliance with the provisions of data protection law. Further information on data protection can be found in our data protection regulations at https://www.tu-braunschweig.de/datenschutzerklaerung-bewerbungen . Application costs cannot be reimbursed.

Questions and Answers

For more information, please contact Dr. Wei He: wei.he(at)tu-braunschweig.de.

Deadline for applications is 12.03.2025

Are you interested? Please send your application (ideally including a cover letter outlining your motivation, relevant skills and experiences, your CV and (if possible) contact information for two references) preferably via email with the subject line “PhD position_macrophage metabolism in obesity” to wei.he(at)tu-braunschweig.de

or by post to:

Technische Universität Braunschweig

Institut für Biochemie, Biotechnologie und Bioinformatik

Dr. Wei He (Abteilung Bioinformatik und Biochemie)

Rebenring 56 (BRICS)

38106 Braunschweig

from: 19.02.2025
valid until: 12.03.2025