The Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) in Jena is a federal and state government-funded research institute and member of the Leibniz Association (Leibniz-Gemeinschaft). FLI’s internationally visible and highly competitive research is focused on understanding the mechanisms of aging and associated age-related diseases. Scientists from over 40 countries are currently investigating the molecular mechanisms of aging and the occurrence of age-related diseases. Our aim is to create the basis for new approaches in medicine as a way to improve the health of the elderly (www.leibniz-fli.de).
The Research Group led by Prof. Dr. Dario Riccardo Valenzano is seeking a highly motivated Postdoc to join our team with a strong background in molecular biology, cell culture, and animal physiology. The project focuses on understanding gut barrier loss during aging in killifish, utilizing techniques such as microscopy, cytometry, and genome editing.
Postdoc (m/f/x) Molecular Biology and Cell Physiology
Job-ID: 25/10Application by April 30, 2025
Research focus of the lab:
The Valenzano Research Group investigates the evolutionary and ecological causes responsible for the vast diversity of aging rates and lifespans across species in nature. We promote around the world the access of African killifish as a laboratory model by training labs for killifish husbandry, developing and sharing husbandry protocols, sharing laboratory and wild-derived killifish strains and resources for this species.
Responsibilities:
- Investigating the role of the microbiome in determining host longevity, using killifish species exhibiting short and long lifespans
- Conducting comparative metagenomic analyses across different host species
- Performing bioinformatics and computational analyses to identify microbiome-lifespan relationships
- Applying rigorous molecular biology methodologies to elucidate mechanisms underlying microbiome effects on aging
- Engagement in manuscript writing, grant preparation, and scientific dissemination
- Actively pursuing external funding opportunities
Requirements:
- PhD in molecular biology, bioinformatics, evolutionary biology, physiology, or a closely related discipline
- Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology techniques (including metagenomics), bioinformatics and coding skills (R, Python, or equivalent)
- Proven ability for analytical thinking, problem-solving, and rigorous methodological application
- Excellent academic writing and communication skills
- Strong motivation for independent research and career advancement
- Experience in animal experimentation (FELASA certification or equivalent) is beneficial but not mandatory
We offer:
- You will become part of a world-leading research institute dedicated to the biology of aging and have the opportunity to join a very well-equipped Lab with an international team
- Access to multiple state-of-the-art facilities; our work is embedded in the Beutenberg Campus, an interdisciplinary base for innovative research
- A position integrated in the FLI Postdoc Network; the network promotes interdisciplinary collaborations involving clinician scientists, basic scientists, and bioinformaticians and supports career development and postdoctoral training courses
- The contract conditions and the salary will be according to the collective labour agreement for public service employees of the federal states of Germany (E 13 TV-L)
- Flexible working time, a family-friendly working environment that provides a healthy work-life balance, company health management, including support for child care solutions, and dual career options
- We provide support with various qualification and further training opportunities and use of the Haufe learning platform with numerous different online courses
Application:
Please apply online through the "Apply now" button by April 30, 2025.
FLI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and promotes diversity. It aims to increase the proportion of underrepresented groups in case of equal suitability. All qualified persons, regardless of color, religion, age, gender, personal orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law will receive consideration for employment.
