Job Description

Open PhD-position (m/f/d)– Institute of Human Genetics, Molecular Physiology

We are recruiting a doctoral researcher at the Institute of Human Genetics, UKSH, at the Universität zu Lübeck. The PhD position will focus on experimental approaches to uncover mechanisms linking adipose tissue metabolism to metabolic disease. The PhD position is fully funded for 3 years and is expected to start in February or March 2026.

Research Group Focus and Proposed Project

Dysfunctional adipose tissue, often resulting from chronic overnutrition or inflammation, causes lipids to accumulate in organs such as liver and muscle. This triggers insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance, ultimately contributing to metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular or fatty liver diseases. Our group focuses on endocrine and molecular mechanisms that enhance energy expenditure to improve metabolic health. The new project aims to investigate the impact of metabolic activation of (dys)functional adipose tissue in-vitro and in-vivo in the context of metabolic health.Using human and mouse adipocyte cultures, gain- and loss-of-function approaches (e.g., siRNA, AAV) will be performed. In parallel, in vivo studies will be conducted in mouse models of obesity. Systemic and cellular energy metabolism will be assessed alongside molecular assays, OMIC analyses, and imaging to characterize the resulting geno- and phenotypes.

Research environment

Professor Susanne Keipert started her professorship at the Universität zu Luebeck in November 2025 and is currently building up her research group. This creates the unique opportunity to join a new, highly motivated team at an early stage. Her group is part of the Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), based at the Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM) and affiliated with the Precision Health in Schleswig-Holstein (PHSH). Together, these connections provide a highly collaborative and stimulating research environment.

What we offer:

• The salary will be based on the German E13 TV-L scale (65%) if terms and conditions under collective bargaining law are fulfilled
• Part-time employment currently 25 hours/week
• A family-friendly working environment, with a commitment to improving work-life balance
• A highly motivated team and an exciting project
• You can find more attractive UKSH benefits here: Benefits (uksh.de)

Your profile

We are looking for a candidate who demonstrate curiosity, resilience, and a strong interest in metabolic research and holds a Master in Molecular Biology, Molecular Medicine, Nutritional Science or related Life Sciences. Fluency in English, both spoken and written as well as hands-on experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques is required. Interest and knowledge in analyzing big datasets (such as RNAseq data) is a strong advantage and previous experience with metabolic phenotyping or animal experimentation is a plus.

Application

Your application should include a cover letter, CV, transcripts of records, and contacts of two referees.

For further information on the projects and positions, please contact Professor Susanne Keipert (Susanne.keipert@uksh.de).

We are looking forward to your application. Please submit your application until 07.01.2026 indicating the reference number 27679.