Chrono
Join a cohort of 12 doctoral researchers in ChronoBridge, a European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network. The programme connects biological clocks, physiology and metabolism through international collaboration.
Host and supervision
The position is supervised by Prof. Henrik Oster in the Oster research group at the Institute of Neurobiology, University of Lübeck. The laboratory studies how biological clocks regulate physiology and behaviour, including sleep, metabolism, immunity and cognition, using cell-based, animal and human research approaches.
You will receive regular supervision, advice from senior researchers, quarterly meetings with an independent advisor, an annual committee review and support from a non-academic mentor. A local co-supervisor will guide each research visit.
Research project
This WP3 project examines how metabolic stress disrupts daily rhythms in fat tissue. It investigates signals released by fat cells and tests whether stabilising their clocks improves metabolic and inflammatory features.
Your research will involve:
- Studying human and mouse three-dimensional adipose cultures.
- Measuring gene activity, lipids and clock rhythms to identify candidate signals.
- Testing how these signals are regulated and how they influence tissue rhythms.
- Evaluating clock-modifying compounds and selected signals in complementary cell models.
The project aims to explain disturbed rhythmic organisation in adipose tissue and assess experimental approaches to restoring it.
Suggested profile
- A completed Master’s degree, or equivalent, in cell biology, physiology, biochemistry, metabolism or a related discipline.
- Interest in obesity, communication between tissues, hormones and biological clocks. Previous laboratory or data-analysis experience is useful; specialist training will be provided.
- Scientific curiosity, critical thinking, careful research practice and enthusiasm for collaboration across Europe.
Skills you will develop
- Formulate hypotheses and design rigorous experiments or analyses.
- Interpret results critically and solve research problems.
- Write scientific papers and present findings clearly.
- Manage projects and collaborate across disciplines and countries.
- Apply research ethics and reproducible methods.
Planned research visits
Research visits to Maastricht University, the University of Geneva, Inserm and BioTalentum total approximately 3 months. They provide complementary methods, international collaboration and local supervision. See the ChronoBridge “Training & network” page for mobility information.
Allowance
This is a full-time position as a doctoral researcher.
Remuneration follows the recruiting institution’s applicable salary arrangements and MSCA funding requirements.
The grant supports eligible personal and family circumstances. Your employer will explain salary, allowances and deductions.
Eligibility
Candidates of any nationality may apply, provided they:
Do not hold a doctoral degree or have successfully defended a doctoral thesis at recruitment.
Meet the doctoral programme’s admission requirements.
Have not lived or mainly worked or studied in Germany for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately before recruitment, subject to defined exceptions.
Have professional English, with evidence assessed by the recruiting institution.
See “Who can Apply?” on the ChronoBridge “How to Apply” page for the detailed criteria and exceptions.
Network training
You will benefit from at least 100 hours of scientific and transferable-skills training, three years of Nature Masterclasses access, network congresses, workshops, online clubs and an individual career-development plan. The programme offers connections with academic, industry and clinical partners. See “Training & network” for the full programme and practical arrangements.