PhD position / Junior Research Associate (all genders) - Department of Endocrinology

Main tasks

Disease states can, in principle, be prevented when a given external or internal insult no longer induces pathology and/or health is quickly restored following injury. These two properties - resistance to, and recovery from insults - are considered key components of what is loosely referred to as ‘resilience’. We recently discovered 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 seek to develop a deeper understanding of the physiology of recovery, resistance and – more broadly- resilience. Our research is primarily hypothesis driven. We combine experimental manipulations in various model organisms with clinical data. Because we are convinced that innovative therapeutic approaches are discovered at the intersection of disciplines, we leverage ideas and tools from a range of disciplines including metabolism research, neurosciences, (comparative) physiology, evolutionary biology and biochemistry, among others.

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 animal documentation
• Contributing to a stimulating, curiosity-driven, collaborative research environment
• Scientific publishing

Your Profile

• Completed academic studies (Master or equivalent)
• A background in metabolism research, ribosomal biology and translation, developmental biology, general physiology, comparative physiology, neurosciences, or neuroscience-related fields is favorable
• At least 2 years of experience in working with mice
• Successful completion of animal training courses (FELASA B or equivalent)
• 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

Immunity status

Please note that employment is contingent upon proof of immunization or immunity against the measles virus, in accordance with applicable legal and medical requirements. Documentation (e.g., vaccination certificate) must be provided before employment begins.

Our Offer

• 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

Contact

• Nikolai Jaschke MD/Ph.D
• jaschke@uke.de
• +49 (0) 40 7410-52599

About Us

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.