Postdoc position / Research Associate (all genders) in the field of Metabolomics

Main tasks

Postdoctoral Position – Redefining Metabolic Control of Kidney Disease

We invite exceptional postdoctoral scientists to join the Hamburg Center for Kidney Health, one of Europe’s leading and most ambitious centers for kidney research.

Kidney disease represents a global medical challenge driven by early and targetable metabolic reprogramming of kidney cells. This project aims to define the metabolic signaling networks and switches that control kidney disease progression and therapeutic response.

Building on our internationally leading work on mTOR, autophagy, and metabolic regulation in kidney biology, the project uniquely integrates iPSC-derived podocytes, kidney organoids, systems-level LC–MS metabolomics, and functional metabolic assays. The postdoctoral researcher will drive metabolomics-led discovery and operate within an exceptional research ecosystem that combines cutting-edge iPSC and organoid platforms, quantitative phenotyping, and industrial-scale high-throughput drug screening through our Fraunhofer partnership, fully embedded within the Hamburg Center for Kidney Health.

The goal is to identify actionable metabolic control points that enable first-in-class therapeutic strategies for kidney disease. The position is part of the Collaborative Research Center SFB/TRR 422 and is based on the newly opened Campus Forschung II, offering world-class infrastructure, strong international visibility, and a highly collaborative environment designed to foster scientific independence and leadership.

Your tasks:

• Plan and perform LC–MS–based metabolomics experiments, including sample preparation and metabolic pathway analysis
• Conduct functional metabolic and phenotypic assays (e.g. Seahorse analyses, Cell Painting–based profiling) to assess cellular bioenergetics and cellular fitness/stress responses
• Collaborate closely with platform experts in iPSC/organoid models and high-throughput screening with quantitative morphological profiling

The position is initially limited to 3 years due to third-party funding.

Your Profile

• Completed scientific university degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Human Biology, Life Sciences, or a comparable field
• PhD
• Scientific interest in molecular and cellular mechanisms of disease of medical relevance, with a particular focus on kidney biology or related fields
• Strong expertise in metabolomics, including metabolic sample preparation, LC–MS–based analysis, and metabolic pathway interpretation
• Experience with metabolomics data analysis using established tools
• Proficiency in basic molecular and cell biology techniques, including mammalian cell culture and standard molecular assays
• Experience with statistical analysis and data visualization; familiarity with R or Python is advantageous
• Ability to work independently and in a goal-oriented manner
• Excellent English skills, written and spoken
• Team spirit, flexibility, and enthusiasm for scientific research

Contents of the application:

• A personal cover letter (motivation letter, 1 A4 page)
• Curriculum vitae including qualifications (max. 3 A4 pages)
• List of publications
• Two references including phone numbers and email addresses

Immunity status

Please note that employment is contingent upon proof of immunization or immunity against the measles virus, in accordance with applicable legal and medical requirements. Documentation (e.g., vaccination certificate) must be provided before employment begins.

Our Offer

• Attractive compensation according to TVöD/VKA
• Secure employment with meaningful work and respectful collaboration
• Comprehensive onboarding and open knowledge exchange within the team
• Extensive training and further education programs at our UKE Academy for Education and Careers
• Opportunities to contribute to our “UKE INside” personnel policy through cross-professional and cross-hierarchical projects
• Sustainable travel: subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket, and Dr. Bike bicycle service
• Family-friendly working environment: cooperation on childcare, free vacation childcare, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
• Excellent health, wellness, and sports programs
• A wide range of dining options in our staff restaurant, with additional choices available at the “Health Kitchen” cafés, bistros, and an on-site supermarket