PostDoc position (m/f/d) in intestinal metabolomics in health and disease

The IKMB is particularly dedicating effort to reveal the pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory disease, namely inflammatory bowel disease, and its connection to human lifestyle, genetics and gut microbes. The Institute is one of the core research centres in various national and international research alliances (e.g. DFG ExC, H2020 SYSCID, IMI2 3TR and ImmUniverse).

The position will be host by two interdisciplinary research groups. The research group “Intestinal Immunometabolism” (Group Leader: Prof. Dr. Konrad Aden) focuses on the role of host-microbial interaction and instruction of intestinal immunity in the context of inflammatory bowel disease. We have a strong interest in understanding the principles of host immunity (Gastroenterology 2022, Nature 2022) and host-microbial crosstalk (Gut 2019, Gastroenterology 2019, ISME 2023) in the context of intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis.

The research group “Metabolomics“ (Group Leader: Prof. Dr. Manuel Liebeke) works actively on host-microbe interactions with metabolites as key communication molecules. We are experts on spatial and untargeted metabolomics (Nature Microbiology 2020, Nature Protocols 2023, Science 2023). Our labs focus on developing and applying novel mass -spectrometry methods to understand biology in the context of health and disease.

The post holder will work in the Metabolomics Platform Kiel, led by M. Liebeke and the lab of Konrad Aden (Gastroenterology & Metabolomics) where they will be applying their expertise to perform targeted and discovery metabolomics in the context of inflammatory diseases. The post provides a unique opportunity to work with cutting edge metabolomics techniques (high mass resolution, Orbitrap systems) and to become deeply involved in the diverse research topics across UKSH and CAU.

Start in our team

We are looking for professional and competent support to start on 1st July 2025, limited for 2 years with the intent to prolong.

What we offer:

• The salary will be based on the German E13 TV-L scale (100%) if terms and conditions under collective bargaining law are fulfilled
• A full-time employment, currently 38.5 hours/week; a part-time employment may be possible within the framework of certain working time models
• We offer an excellent and exciting multidisciplinary team-oriented research environment and opportunities to being part of the national and international scientific community
• Our scientist are encouraged to attend international conferences and visit cooperation partners
• We offer flexible working hours and various opportunities to reconcile work and family life

Your role:

The candidate will be engaged in conducting in-vitro and in-vivo (mouse) experiments and in the generation and analysis of untargeted/targeted metabolomics data.

This will include 

• 13C-tryptophan exposure of miniature gut (organoids) and mice.
• metabolic characterization of stool, serum, tissue models using LC-MS analysis (SCIEX Triple Quad, ThermoFisher Orbitrap Exploris 240)
• metabolomics data analysis and multi-omics data integration
• manuscript writing
• close interdisciplinary interaction with clinicians, bioinformaticians, immunologists and metabolomics specialists on campus

Your profile: 

We are interested in recruiting self-motivated individuals with a high desire to succeed and a strong dedication to excellence and high-quality research. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from CAU scientists working in other disciplines, in particular broader metabolomics/mass spectrometry applications, cell biology, biochemistry, and medicinal chemistry.

• Evidence of significant (>2 years) experience in Metabolomics and/or relevant Analytical Chemistry
• Evidence of experience in operation, maintenance, and trouble-shooting of LC-MS
• Experience in mass spectrometry and metabolomics data analysis and statistics (especially untargeted approaches and concepts such as univariate and multivariate analyses) and use of data analysis software and workflow packages
• Experience in design, performance, and analysis of metabolomics experiments
• Ability to work with day-to-day independence, good oral and written communication skills

Please submit your application until 16th June 2025, indicating the reference number 26623.

Additional Information:

• Prof Dr. Konrad Aden, Department of Gastroenterology and Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology at the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Phone: +49-431 500-22437
• Prof. Dr. Manuel Liebke, Department of Metabolomics, Institute of human nutrition and food science.  info@metabolomics.uni-kiel.de