1 Masterstudent*in (m/w/d)

Deutsches Institut für Ernährungsforschung Potsdam-Rehbrücke (DIfE)

About us

The German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE) is a member of the Leibniz Association. The institute’s mission is to conduct experimental and clinical research in the field of nutrition and health, with the aim of understanding the molecular basis of nutrition-dependent diseases, and of developing new strategies for treatment and prevention.

The Department of Molecular Physiology of Exercise and Nutrition (MPEN) invites applications for 1 Master Student (m/f/d) starting as soon as possible.

Topic of the Master Thesis: 

Decoding ACSS3: Linking Short-Chain Fatty Acid Metabolism to Liver Health 

Project Description:

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common condition where fat builds up in the liver, often linked with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Its development is driven by many factors, including diet and genetics, and can progress to serious complications like liver cancer. Gut-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which are produced when dietary fiber is fermented improve liver health by lowering fat levels and influencing gene expression in liver. Short-chain acyl-CoA synthetases (ACSS) “activate” SCFA inside liver cells. Little is known about ACSS3, despite being highly expressed in liver. This research will explore the role of ACSS3 in liver metabolism and its potential impact on MASLD with both in vivo and in vitro techniques.

Your tasks

• Review current literature on ACSS3 and its metabolic roles.
• Isolate and culture primary mouse hepatocytes.
• Modulate ACSS3 expression using overexpression and knockdown methods.
• Conduct inhibitor studies to probe regulatory pathways.
• Apply biochemical assays to assess metabolic effects in cells and tissues.
• Analyze data with appropriate statistical methods.

Skills and requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Nutritional Sciences, or a related field
• Enrollment in a master’s program in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, nutrition, or related field
• Strong interest in cellular/molecular biology, energy metabolism, or nutrition
• Lab experience (cell culture, qPCR, western blotting) preferred but not essential

We offer:

• Strong scientific support and collaboration with internal and international partners
• Access to excellent facilities and diverse experimental methods (cell culture, biochemical, molecular)
• Chance to contribute to novel discoveries with high publication potential

Contact

If you are interested in this research, please send your application until latest February 28th, 2026 via E-Mail to studenten@dife.de.

For further information please do not hesitate to contact: 

Prof. Dr. Maximilian Kleinert
Head of Department MPEN
E-Mail: Maximilian.Kleinert@dife.de 

Dr. Christopher A. Bishop
Researcher in the Department MPEN
E-Mail: Christopher_Allen.Bishop@dife.de 

We promote the employment of people with severe disabilities and are committed to equal opportunities for them. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they have the same qualifications.

We process your application documents for the purpose of carrying out the application procedure in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b) GDPR, Art. 88 GDPR. For more information on the collection, processing and use of personal data by the German Institute of Human Nutrition as part of the application process and your rights under data protection law, please contact the Department of Human Resources and Social Services  (jobs@dife.de).