1 student research assistant (m/f/d) Deutsches Institut für Ernährungsforschung Potsdam-Rehbrücke (DIfE)

About

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 Junior Research Group of Gut-Brain Interactions (GBI) invites applications for 1 student research assistant (m/f/d).

We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible, initially limited until September 30, 2026.

Within the Gut-Brain Interactions Lab, we investigate how signals from the gut influence brain activity, cognition and mental health. Although neuroscience has traditionally focused on the brain in isolation, growing evidence shows that physiological signals from the body, particularly the gut, play a central role in shaping arousal, mood, and behavior. Our research aims to understand how stomach activity, metabolic state, and gut hormones interact with neural systems that support attention, emotion, and thought. The lab is part of a European Research Council (ERC)-funded project combining neuroimaging, physiology, and hormonal measurements in humans.

Depending on the weekly working time (preferably 10 hours per week), the employment is either a marginal contract (EUR 603 per month) or a „sliding scale“-contract. We offer an hourly rate of EUR 15,20 for undergraduate students studying for a Bachelor degree and EUR 15,81 for Master’s students.

Your tasks

• Assisting with human neuroscience experiments (participant preparation, coordination, and data collection)
• Supporting blood sample collection and processing and handling of biological samples
• Preparing and organizing laboratory materials and consumables
• Assisting with physiological recordings (e.g. EEG, electrogastrography) and MRI sessions
• Supporting lab coordination tasks, including scheduling participants and organizing experimental sessions
• Assisting with data organization and basic preprocessing

Your profile

• You are a current student of biology, psychology, nutrition, bioinformatics, medicine
• Interest in human physiology, neuroscience or biomedical research
• Experience with laboratory work, biological samples or human experiments is highly desirable
• Good German language skills for participant interaction and English proficiency for communication within the lab
• You are reliable, organized, proactive and enjoy working as part of a team
• You are comfortable working with participants and handling biological samples
• Basic programming skills (e.g. MATLAB or Python) are a plus, but not required
• You have no second paid employment

Your benefits

• Working as part of an international team
• Highly interdisciplinary and exciting research work in a dynamic and highly topical research field
• Hands-on experience in conducting scientific research
• Getting an insight into relevant scientific methods
• Working in an English-speaking environment
• Potential for flexible work schedules, including remote options

Your application

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.

Please send your detailed application (short letter of motivation, CV, certificates and confirmation of current enrolment in a course of study) until 22.05.2026 via E-Mail to jobs@dife.de.

For further information please do not hesitate to contact: 
Dr. Ignacio Rebollo
Head of Junior Research Group GBI
E-Mail: Ignacio.Rebollo@dife.de 

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).