Postdoc Position (m/f/d) - Circadian Rhythms of Metabolism During Adolescence (TRR 418 B03)

Institute of Neurobiology, Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBMM)

Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Collaborative Research Center CRC-TRR 370 “Foundations of Circadian Medicine” is a joint research consortium by scientists from Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, University of Lübeck, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Technical University Munich and the German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE) Potsdam. The consortium aims to identify the overarching principles that link the circadian clock and pathology in different organs and disease systems, and from this to develop and test evidence-based circadian medicine strategies for clinical application. (https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/541063275?language=en)

This interdisciplinary project (B03) is based at the Institute of Neurobiology in Lübeck (https://www.neurobio.uni-luebeck.de/neurobio) and investigates the mechanistic link between chronotype shifts and metabolic function during adolescence. It tests the hypothesis that circadian rhythm disruption during adolescence alters metabolic setpoints and affects puberty development. The study combines (conditional) transgenic mouse models and physiologic and transcriptomic circadian profiling to assess the effects of rhythm disruption on metabolic homeostasis and puberty development and its longterm outcomes. An intervention study aiming at strengthening the circadian system during this critical developmental period will quantify effects on rhythms, metabolism and endocrine functions.

Start in our team

We are looking for a motivated and competent postdoc candidate to start on 01.02.2026. The position is limited until 30.06.2029.

What we offer:

• The salary will be based on the German E13 TV-L scale, if terms and conditions under collective bargaining law are fulfilled
• Full-time employment (currently 38,5 hours/week)
• Participation in the qualification and  networking events of CRC-TRR 418, including technology workshops, career mentoring program, summer schools in chronomedicine research.
• A highly stimulating research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities at all consortium sites

Your tasks:

• Study the role of circadian regulation and perturbation during adolescence
• Perform endocrine and molecular assays, and animal experiments and analyse transcriptome data
• Collaborate closely with clinicians and basic researchers in the Oster and Kühnen (Charité) laboratories

Your profile:

• PhD in (Molecular) Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience or related disciplines
• Experience with molecular analyses, physiology, and animal experiments
• Structured, independent working style and excellent communication skills to collaborate within the team and external partners
• Interest in clinical translational research
• Knowledge in chronobiology is an advantage

Application:
Please include the following documents (PDF) in your application: motivation letter (max. 1 page) , curriculum vitae (including a list of publications), certificates of your cademic degrees and grade transcripts (Bsc, Msc, PhD), at least one letter of recommendation, names and email addresses of two referees

For further information about the project and the research consortium, please contact Prof. Henrik Oster (henrik.oster@uni-luebeck.de).

Please submit your application until 14.01.2026, indicating the reference number 27690.