The German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE), a member of the Leibniz Association, is renowned for its research in nutrition and health, aiming to unravel the molecular basis of nutrition-dependent diseases and develop new strategies for their treatment and prevention. The Department of Adipocyte Development and Nutrition, led by Prof. Dr. Tim J. Schulz, is seeking a highly motivated doctoral student to join a project funded by the Leibniz Association. The research will focus on the physiological regulation of antibody-producing plasma cells within the context of aging and nutrition-related diseases.

Plasma cells, known for their active metabolism and high energy requirements due to continuous antibody production, require a unique nutrient supply within the specialized microenvironment of the bone marrow. This interdisciplinary project, in close collaboration with the Deutsche Rheuma-Forschungszentrum (DRFZ) in Berlin, will map the spatial architecture of the bone marrow as the niche for long-lived plasma cells using advanced spatial analysis and molecular biology techniques. The project aims to elucidate how metabolic signals and overall metabolic health influence the long-term survival of plasma cells in the bone marrow, focusing on:

• Investigating aging- and nutrition-related influences on the molecular heterogeneity of bone marrow plasma cells
• Spatially and temporally resolved analysis of bone marrow architecture in relation to the plasma cell niche

State-of-the-art spatial biology methods will be combined with extensive single-cell transcriptomic analyses and transgenic reporter mouse models to visualize plasma cells within specific bone marrow regions. The successful candidate will benefit from intensive scientific support, close collaboration with partner institutions, and enrollment in a local Ph.D. program. DIfE offers excellent technical equipment, a wide range of experimental methods, and a dynamic, interactive research environment.

The position is funded for three years, with remuneration according to TV-L, level 13 (65%), plus annual special payment and company pension scheme. Additional benefits include family-friendly working conditions, a job ticket for public transport, easy accessibility, free parking, 30 days of vacation, and participation in a corporate benefits program. DIfE is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applications from individuals with severe disabilities, who will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.

Applicants should hold an excellent M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) in biomedical, computational, or nutritional science. A background in metabolic research is desirable, and experience with flow cytometry (FACS), animal experiments, or omics data analysis (especially transcriptomes or single-cell data sets) is advantageous. High motivation and willingness for interdisciplinary collaboration are essential.

To apply, submit your cover letter, CV, copies of degrees/certificates, and references as a single PDF file by email to [email protected], referencing 2026_W02_AP, before March 15th, 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Tim Schulz at [email protected]. More details about the institute and department can be found at DIfE website and department page.