Head of an Early Career Investigator (ECI) Group in Obesity Research in Leipzig bei Helmholtz Zentrum München

Helmholtz Zentrum München

102268

Full time

Leipzig

We are Helmholtz Munich. In a rapidly changing world, we discover breakthrough solutions for better health.

Our research is focused within the areas of metabolic health/diabetes, environmental health, molecular targets and therapies, cell programming and repair, bioengineering, and computational health. We particularly excel in the fields of basic research, bioengineering, artificial intelligence, and technological development.

Through this research, we build the foundations for medical innovation. Together with our partners, we seek to accelerate the transfer of our research, so that laboratory ideas can reach society and improve people’s quality of life at the fastest rate possible.

This is what drives us. Why not join us and make a difference?

The Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (Helmholtz-Institut für Metabolismus-, Adipositas- und Gefäßforschung, ) at the University of Leipzig, aims at uncovering the molecular underpinnings of metabolic, obesity and vascular disorders to enable precision therapies. HI-MAG is part of Helmholtz Munich. As one of the world’s leading research institutes, Helmholtz Munich is a highly driven and stimulating international environment. Together with renowned scientists and supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure, you will have the opportunity to make important contributions to scientific findings and to improving the quality of people's lives.

Prof. Matthias Tschöp (Dr. Med., Dr. hc.), CEO of Helmholtz Munich: "We believe that excellent research requires a range of different perspectives. Diverse teams reach better solutions and are more innovative in their research topics.

Establishing our Diversity Management Strategy demonstrates our commitment to ensuring an appreciative company culture based on mutual respect. We are also implementing diversity-sensitive processes throughout our whole organization."

Your opportunity

The future group leader will establish an independent research program employing innovative approaches to identify clinically relevant molecular mechanisms by working as close to bedside as possible. We specifically welcome investigators with abroad experience with bench-to-bedside research. Your research interest may focus on (but is not limited to):

• Pathophysiology of obesity
• Central regulation of appetite and satiety
• Exploration of adipose tissue heterogeneity (via single cell and spatial transcriptomics approaches)
• Effect of the environment on adipose tissue/ gut-adipose tissue axis
• Adipocyte dysfunction in obesity
• Analysis of large clinical cohorts and translation to functional studies

Your profile

We encourage innovative and enthusiastic scientists to submit their original scientific proposal with a clear path to establishing themselves as leaders in the field. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or M.D. degree, international academic experience in the field, an excellent track record of high quality scientific productivity with evidence of excellence in obesity research, a collaborative and entrepreneurial mindset, and good communication skills.

Experience of group leadership and management, including success in obtaining extramural research funding and supervising other scientists and postgraduate students, will be considered an asset but is not essential.

Our offer

• a Principal Investigator position with Tenure Option as head of a HI-MAG Early Career Investigator Group
• a unique opportunity for scientific independence to establish yourself at the forefront of obesity research
• a start-up financial package (salary, positions, running costs); positions are limited to five years, with access to the tenure option for Early Career Investigators
• well equipped infrastructure including access to translational research such as human tissue biobanks, clinical research projects and intervention trials
• a dynamic, multicultural, interdisciplinary and highly collaborative research environment in Leipzig

Since 2005, we hold the TOTAL E-QUALITY award for exemplary action in the sense of an equal-opportunity organizational culture.

Helmholtz Munich is actively committed to diversity and inclusion in practice and is sustainably committed to equality.

The Diversity Charter has set itself the goal of promoting diversity in the world of work. By signing the charter, we commit ourselves to create an appreciative working environment for all employees.

Salary and social benefits are based on the Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees (TVöD). The position has an (initial) fixed term of 5 years, with the possibility of moving to a permanent contract.

We are committed to promoting a culture of di