Postdoc (f/m/x) – Childhood Obesity and Metabolic Research Full-time NEW

Postdoc (f/m/x) – Childhood Obesity and Metabolic Research

At Helmholtz Munich, we develop groundbreaking solutions for a healthier society in a rapidly changing world. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation. Through strong partnerships, we accelerate the transfer of new ideas from the lab to real-life applications, improving lives.

The Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) at the University of Leipzig is part of Helmholtz Munich and aims to uncover the molecular and clinical underpinnings of metabolic, obesity and vascular disorders to enable precision therapies. Together with renowned scientists and supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure, you will have the opportunity to make important contributions towards scientific knowledge and the improvement of people's quality of life.

The HI-MAG research group Childhood Obesity and Metabolic Research, led by Antje Körner, investigates the development, mechanisms and health consequences of childhood obesity. In a translational approach, experimental research, clinical studies and genetic approaches are combined. Our international and interdisciplinary team is closely integrated with the research structures of the Medical Faculty of Leipzig University, Helmholtz Munich, and leading local as well as national research consortia, such as the Excellence cluster LeiCeM, the German Center for Child and Youth Health (DZKJ), and our large children's and adolescent's cohort LIFE Child.

We have large, well-characterized cohorts up and running with a longitudinal setting and across the entire age range: LIFE Child (n~6000), Leipzig Obesity Childhood Cohort (n~3000), and Leipzig Adipose Tissue Childhood cohort (n~700), with deep phenotyping allowing for combining clinical, epidemiological, lifestyle and functional omics and multi-omics data.

We are currently seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (f/m/x) in the field of Molecular Epidemiology/Bioinformatics/Computational Science to join our team at the earliest possible opportunity.

Your Tasks

• Develop and apply risk prediction models for complex childhood diseases by integrating genetic, clinical and environmental factors using data from cohort studies.
• Identify molecular targets and pathways associated with genetic susceptibility to obesity and related traits.
• Perform quantitative analyses of clinical and multi-omics data to characterize longitudinal trajectories and to identify molecularly defined subphenotypes.
• Apply advanced bioinformatic and statistical methods for integrative analyses across molecular layers (e.g., genetic, transcriptomic, proteomic data) in relevant tissues.
• Collaborate with national partners (e.g. DZKJ) and international consortia on joint analyses and scientific publications.

Your Profile

• Master's degree (and PhD) in bioinformatics/epidemiology/systems biology or a life-science discipline with experience in quantitative methods.
• Demonstrated experience in data analysis and statistical programming, preferably with multi-omics data.
• Strong background in statistics and epidemiology, and willingness to learn and apply new methods.
• Good understanding of biomedical and/or clinical research; experience with cohort studies.
• Very good communication skills in spoken and written English, German is beneficial.
• Collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for working in a multidisciplinary team.

If you fulfill all the requirements, you may be eligible for a salary grade of up to E 13. Social benefits are based on the Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees (TVöD). The position has an (initial) fixed term of 2 years but may be extended under certain circumstances.

Benefits

• Career Development: Postdoc program, scientific training & career center with tailored offers
• Scientific Resources: State-of-the-art infrastructure and Core Facilities
• Recreation: 30 days annual leave, flexi days, plus public holidays
• International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany
• Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives

Interested in Applying?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Katja Piotrowski, who will be happy to help. Our recruiting is decentralized – your application will be reviewed directly by the specialist department in which you could work in the future. More information about our application process Please send your application only via our online application tool and with the following documents:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
• References from recent employers
• Contact details for at least two referees
• List of publications

If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree by the time you start work at the latest. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.

We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.

Learn more about diversity at Helmholtz Munich

Our Commitment

Helmholtz Munich Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH) Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research Philipp-Rosenthal-Straße 27 04103 Leipzig