Postdoc in Cell biology / Cellular Imaging

The University of Potsdam was founded in 1991 and has firmly established itself within the scientific landscape and developed into an outstanding economic factor and growth engine for the region. The University of Potsdam excels in acquiring third-party funds, has received multiple teaching awards, has a very service-oriented administration, and has been honored several times for its family-friendly culture. About 21,000 students and 3,000 employees study and work at three campuses – Am Neuen Palais, Griebnitzsee and Golm – at one of Germany’s most scenic institutions of higher education.

The Faculty of Science, Institute for Nutritional Science, Department of Cellular Physiology of Nutrition at the University of Potsdam invites applications for the following position, subject to funding commitment, limited to two years, which will be filled as soon as possible:

Academic Staff Member

(Postdoc in Cell biology / Cellular Imaging)

ID no. 428/2023

The successful candidate will work 40 hours per week (100 %). The position is classified within remuneration group 13 of the collective wage agreement among the German states (TV-L). The fixed term of employment is in accordance with Section 2 subsection 1 of the German Act on Limited Scientific Contracts (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz or WissZeitVG). If necessary, an extension is possible if personal and legal requirements are met.

Your Field of Work/Research project:

The laboratory from Prof. Dr.Claudia Matthäus is seeking a highly motivated postdoc to join a collaborative project recently funded by Chan-Zuckerberg-Initiative (https://chanzucker-berg.com/science/programs-resources/single-cell-biology/metabolism/). The successful candidate will work in a dynamic and innovative research environment at the University of Potsdam and the Leibniz Research Institute for Molecular Pharmacology (FMP) in Berlin with Dr. Martin Lehmann. The project aims to uncover how caveolae facilitate lipid trafficking as discussed recently (Matthaeus & Taraska, Front Dev Cell Bio, 2021). We showed previously that caveolae are involved in lipid uptake in various cell types such as fibroblasts, adipocytes, or endothelial cells (Matthaeus et al., PNAS, 2020). In this project, the successful candidate will investigate molecular mechanisms of caveolae mediate lipid trafficking from the plasma membrane to intracellular organelles using advanced imaging techniques, including live cell spinning disc imaging, TIRF, STED, SIM, and CLEM (Matthaeus et al., Nature Communications, 2022, Gonschior et al., Nature Communications 2022, Ebner et al., Cell 2023), in combination with proteomic screening. This exciting project will offer state-of-the-art imaging technologies with highly independent working conditions at two research institutes, and the possibility to network within the Berlin/Potsdam research environment as well as within the Chan- Zuckerberg-Initiative (including annual research meetings in San Francisco).

The Scope of Your Responsibilities:

• Designing and performing experiments to address questions about caveolae trafficking including but not limited to cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, and molecular biology
• Analyzing and interpreting data (particularly imaging data), preparing figures and publications, and presenting research findings at scientific conferences and meetings
• Collaborating with other members of the lab and external collaborators

Further scientific qualification (post-doctoral thesis (Habilitation)) is possible. At least one-third of working hours is available for in-depth scientific work.

Your Qualifications:

• PhD in (Cell) Biology, Cellular Imaging, Biochemistry or related fields
• Bachelor/Master's degree in (cell) biology, biochemistry, physics, or a related field
• Previous experience in Cell biology techniques, including cell culture, microscopy or molecular biology (CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing) is desirable
• Experience in image and data analysis and coding is of advantage
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to think critically
• Strong communication skills in English (German is not essential) and ability to write and present research findings

What We Offer:

As a university, we combine the developmental strength of a teaching and research institution with the attractive working conditions of the public sector. The University of Potsdam is a reliable employer that supports its employees with a variety of offers and benefits:

• Develop yourself and your professional as well as interdisciplinary competencies in various continuing education and networking opportunities offered by the University of Potsdam.
• All locations have good transport connections. They can receive a monthly subsidy for the public transport job ticket and use campus bicycles.
• Benefit from a company pension plan, a special annual payment and asset-building services.
• Take advantage of the diverse offers from occupational health management as well as university sports.
• To improve work-life balance, the University of Potsdam offers its employees flexible working hours and proportional home office hours. You have 30 vacation days per year and are also exempt from work on December 24 and 31. Our service for families can advise you on issues relating to the reconciliation of work and family life.

You can find more information about working at the University of Potsdam at https://www.uni-potsdam.de/de/arbeiten-an-der-up/arbeitgeberin/uebersicht

For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Claudia Matthäusby email: claudia.matthaeus@uni-potsdam.de

Your Application

Please send us your application by the deadline of January 10, 2024 and provide the ID no. 428/2023, by email to claudia.matthaeus@uni-potsdam.de

The University of Potsdam values the diversity of its community and pursues the goals of equal opportunity regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation and identity. Applications from abroad and from persons with an immigrant background are expressly encouraged. The university strives for a balanced gender ratio in all employment groups; in areas where women are underrepresented, women are given preference in case of equal suitability (Section 7 paragraph 4 of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act). People with disabilities are given preferential consideration in cases of equal qualifications. In aptitude tests and selection interviews, individual disadvantage compensations are granted that are appropriate to their disability. If a person with a disability would like to make use of individual disadvantage compensation, please state this in the application letter.