1 Doktorand*in (m/w/d)

The [German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE)](https://www.dife.de/) 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.

The Department [Molecular Physiology of Exercise and Nutrition (MPEN)](https://www.dife.de/forschung/abteilungen-und-forschungsgruppen/molekulare-physiologie-der-bewegung-und-ernaehrung/) is inviting applications for

1 Doctoral Student (m/f/d)

starting as soon as possible.

Project description

This project investigates the regulation and metabolic fate of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the liver, with a particular focus on their role in metabolic health and fatty liver disease. Using mouse models, cell culture systems, and state-of-the-art metabolic approaches, we aim to understand the mechanisms governing hepatic SCFA uptake and how these processes are regulated by nutritional states, including fasting and feeding, and altered under pathological conditions such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). A central focus of the project is to determine the intracellular fate of SCFAs, investigating when they serve as energy substrates, building blocks for anabolic processes, or regulators of gene expression through epigenetic modifications. By combining in vivo and in vitro experiments with stable isotope tracing and metabolic flux analysis, we aim to uncover how hepatic SCFA metabolism is regulated and how it contributes to liver function and metabolic disease.

Specifically, the candidate will:

• Plan and perform in vivo metabolic experiments in mice to investigate hepatic SCFA uptake, metabolism, and substrate utilization under different nutritional and disease conditions.

• Design and conduct stable isotope tracing experiments, both in vivo and in cultured cells, to characterize SCFA uptake, intracellular metabolic fluxes, and incorporation into downstream metabolites and cellular components.

• Establish and perform cell culture experiments, including work with primary hepatocytes, to investigate the molecular mechanisms controlling SCFA metabolism.

• Investigate the contribution of SCFAs to energy metabolism, anabolic pathways, and epigenetic modifications, including histone acylation.

• Perform downstream molecular and biochemical analyses of tissues and biological samples, including metabolomics, protein analyses, and measurements of metabolic intermediates.

• Contribute to the management and maintenance of mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, and experimental planning.

Requirements and Skills

• A master's degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, nutritional sciences, or a related discipline.

• Prior hands-on experience with stable isotope tracing and metabolic flux analysis is a key requirement for this position.

• A strong background in intermediary metabolism, particularly hepatic glucose, lipid, or fatty acid metabolism.

• Practical experience with cell culture techniques and molecular and biochemical assays.

• Experience with mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and the analysis of isotope labeling data is an advantage.

• Strong analytical skills, scientific curiosity, and the ability to plan and conduct experiments independently.

• Excellent communication skills in English and a collaborative approach to research.

We offer:

• Intensive scientific support, close collaboration with cooperating institutions and enrolment in a local PhD program

• Excellent technical equipment, a wide range of experimental methods and a dynamic and interactive research environment

• Remuneration according to TV-L, level 13 (65 %), plus annual special payment and company pension scheme

• Family-friendly working conditions (certificate “audit berufundfamilie”)

• Supporting of mobility with a jobticket for using the public transport

• Easy accessibility by public transport or car (including free parking)

• 30 days of vacation

• Participation in the benefits program for employees („Corporate Benefits“)

The advertised position is available for 3 years.

We promote the employment of people with severe disabilities and are committed to equal opportunities for them. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they have the same qualifications.

We look forward to your application!

Please send your documents (cover letter explaining your motivation, CV, copies of degrees/certificates and references) as a single pdf-file before November 25th, 2026 via e-mail to jobs@dife.de.

For further information please do not hesitate to contact:

Prof. Dr. Maximilian Kleinert

Head of Department Molecular Physiology of Exercise and Nutrition

E-Mail: Maximilian.Kleinert@dife.de

We process your application documents for the purpose of carrying out the application procedure in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b) GDPR, Art. 88 GDPR. For more information on the collection, processing and use of personal data by the German Institute of Human Nutrition as part of the application process and your rights under data protection law, please contact the Department of Human Resources and Social Services (jobs@dife.de).