PhD Candidate / Doctoral Researcher – Lipidomics and Fatty Acid Metabolism in Inflammation

...you're in the middle of it

The Institute of Clinical Pharmacology at Goethe University Frankfurt is seeking a PhD Candidate / Doctoral Researcher to join the research group of Dr. Hahnefeld . The successful candidate will contribute to an interdisciplinary research project in cooperation with the Fraunhofer ITMP Frankfurt at the interface of analytical chemistry, lipid biology and inflammation research.

The project investigates how lipid metabolism and lipid-mediated signaling are regulated in inflammatory settings. The work combines cell-based experiments with mass spectrometry-based lipidomics, fatty acid analysis and targeted lipid mediator measurements. A particular focus will be placed on the development, optimization and application of robust analytical and computational workflows for the analysis of complex biological datasets. The research group uses high-resolution mass spectrometry and reproducible bioinformatic approaches to investigate lipid-mediated mechanisms in inflammatory and metabolic diseases. The position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative research environment with interdisciplinary partners in lipid biology, immunology, imaging and proteomics.

The position is limited up to three years.

Your Role:

• •Plan, conduct and document experiments in cellular models of inflammation and metabolic perturbation.
• •Prepare biological samples and perform LC-HRMS-based lipidomics and metabolomics measurements and further develop associated analytical workflows.
• •Perform GC-HRMS-based analysis of fatty acids
• •Conduct LC-MS/MS measurements of lipid mediators using established methods.
• •Perform comprehensive quality control, raw-data validation, data annotation and statistical analysis of complex mass spectrometry datasets.
• •Develop and apply reproducible workflows for data processing, visualization and interpretation using R and/or Python.
• •Contribute to the integration and interpretation of lipidomics data with complementary datasets generated by collaborating groups, including imaging- and proteomics-based data.
• •Validate selected findings in close collaboration with project partners.
• •Present research results in scientific publications, project meetings and at national and international conferences.

• ... your skills are what we're looking for
• •A completed Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in analytical chemistry, chemistry, pharmacy, biochemistry, molecular life sciences or a related discipline.
• •A strong theoretical and practical background in analytical chemistry.
• •Practical experience with liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry is desirable.
• •Experience with high-resolution mass spectrometry, lipidomics, metabolomics, method development or biological sample preparation is advantageous but not necessary.
• •Experience in cell culture, molecular or cellular biology is advantageous.
• •Knowledge of statistical data analysis and programming in R and/or Python, or a strong willingness to acquire these skills.
• •A careful, structured and independent working style, combined with reliability and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team.
• •Very good written and spoken English skills.
• •Due to legal regulations, valid proof of measles immunity / measles vaccination is required

• ... you'll be offered a lot
• •In addition to an attractive salary based on acollective agreement ( TV-G-U, E 13 )with an annual special payment, you benefit from long-term security through company pension schemes
• •An interdisciplinary doctoral research project at the interface of analytical chemistry, lipidomics and inflammation research.
• •Close scientific supervision and structured training in high-resolution mass spectrometry, lipidomics, fatty acid analysis and reproducible data analysis.
• •Remote Work possible
• •Benefit from our attractive health offers. We offer regular online and face-to-face courses on nutrition, relaxation, sports and exercise
• •Part-time employment is possible, we offer childcare in our daycare center (if you have any questions, please contact UKF-Familienservice), child care during holidays
• •Free public transport in all Hessen (Free State Ticket Hessen)
• •Uniklinik-Campus, Mensa, Cafés
• •Insights: Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn
• •FAQ´s for new employees

It's time to join our team!

• Contact: Dr. Lisa Hahnefeld, Leader Research Group
• Email: [email protected]
• Application Deadline: 08.11.2026

We welcome applications from candidates of all genders. Women are currently underrepresented in these positions at Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt. Therefore, applications from women are especially encouraged. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal personal and professional qualifications.