Postdoc - Junior Research Group Neurocircuit Development and Function

Postdoc - Junior Research Group Neurocircuit Development and Function

DIfE - German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke

Nuthetal, Germany

Specifically, the Junior Research Group is interested in neuronal circuits that control metabolism (food intake, energy expenditure, activity etc.) as well as associated behaviors (e. g. stress, reward). The group focuses on actions of the melanocortin receptors in the brain as well as how the maternal dietary environment can negatively influence the development and function of these brain circuits changing energy homeostasis and behavior of offspring resulting in the onset of ageing-related diseases.

Tasks:

• Use transgenic mouse models to understand underlying neuronal physiology;
• Implantation of osmotic minipumps/stereotaxic implantation of cannulas for the delivery of compounds;
• Performing metabolic and behavioral tests to assess alterations to whole animal physiology in acute and longitudinal studies;
• Writing of manuscripts and presentation of research results (in scientific journals, colloquia and conferences);
• Active involvement in research networks (e. g. DZD).

Skills and Requirements:

• Excellent master and doctoral degree in neuroscience, biochemistry, biology or any related discipline;
• Experience with modern molecular biological and biochemical methods (immunohistochemistry, RNAScope etc.), prior experience with behavioral tests/surgical procedures and analysis (i. e. DeepLabCut, Boris, SimBA);
• Experience in animal experimentation (FELASA or equivalent is a requirement);
• Expertise in molecular biological and advanced imaging (confocal and fluorescence) techniques and analysis programs (FIJI/ImageJ etc.);
• Ability to work independently and to supervise interns and undergraduates;
• Excellent English (in speaking and writing) and computer skills, knowledge of German is a bonus, but not required.

Applicants should be highly-motivated, ambitious and hard-working scientists who wish to be part of a collaborative, international team within a superb scientific environment

We expect excellent achievements, reliability, initiative and outstanding commitment.