The job
How does chemical exposure influence adipocyte differentiation, placental functions and early metabolic programming?
Join our team to explore the obesogenic potential of environmental chemicals and investigate how they may already increase the risk of childhood overweight during pregnancy. This project builds on a pilot study in which potential obesogenic chemical candidates were identified through the analysis of childhood cohorts. You will work with MSC-derived adipocytes to study how selected environmental chemicals effect adipogenic differentiation. Additionally, their effects on placental cells, in particular their epigenetic landscape, will be investigated.
The position to prepare the Master's thesis is limited up to 12 months and will be supervised at the site in Leipzig.
Contract limitations
limited contract
Contact
Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:
Paula Sophie Reichelt
Postdoctoral Researcher
DZKJ - Deutsches Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendgesundheit
German Center for Child and Adolescent Health
Department of Environmental Immunology
Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung GmbH - UFZ
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research GmbH - UFZ
Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
Phone +49 341 6025 4740
paula-sophie.reichelt@ufz.de, www.ufz.de
Your application
To ensure a fair selection process, please submit your application (cover letter, CV, and relevant supporting documents) via our online portal without a photo, age information, or details about your marital status.
Diversity and Inclusion
The UFZ values diversity and is actively committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their origin, religion, beliefs, disability, age or sexual identity.
We welcome people who represent diverse backgrounds, identities and perspectives. We therefore particularly encourage people who are affected by structural discrimination to apply to us.
The UFZ
The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) is a world-leading institution in environmental research and a member of the Helmholtz Association, Germany’s largest scientific organisation. With approximately 1,200 employees across Leipzig, Halle, and Magdeburg, we have been conducting research since 1991 using a transdisciplinary approach to address the most pressing challenges of our time: biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental pollution. Our goal is to translate excellent research into practical solutions for policymakers, business, and society, and to serve as a reliable partner in supporting transformation processes toward a sustainable and just future for current and future generations. We foster a culture of collaboration, openness, and diversity within a work environment that actively promotes creativity and personal development.
Your tasks
You will support experimental investigations of the impact of chemical exposure on adipocyte differentiation, placental functions and early metabolic programming. Depending on the progress of the project, your tasks may include:
- Conducting laboratory experiments including cell culture techniques, cellular impedance measurements, cell staining and nucleic acid isolation,
- Investigating the effects of individual chemicals and chemical mixtures on cell development and differentiation,
- Learning and performing cell culture techniques to establish and maintain organoid models derived from primary material,
- Maintaining accurate laboratory records and contribute to reproducible experimental workflows,
- Data processing, analysis, visualization, and interpretation of experimental results.
We offer
- Excellent supervision that supports your personal and professional development
- Exciting insights into the work of a leading research institute
- The chance to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a wide range of perspectives
- The opportunity to contribute and actively shape your own ideas and impulses right from the start
- Modern technical equipment and IT service to optimally support your work
Your profile
- Student in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Life Sciences or a related field
- Strong interest in early metabolic programming and influence of chemical exposure on placental functions
- Previous practical experience with cell cultures; experience with spheroid or organoid cell cultures is an advantage but not required
- Interest in experimental laboratory work and the ability to work systematically, independently, and accurately
- Good written and spoken English skills
Application deadline: 30.10.2026
