PhD Candidate – Lipidomics & Fatty Acid Metabolism in Inflammation

About the role

The Institute of Clinical Pharmacology at Goethe University Frankfurt seeks a PhD candidate to join Dr. Hahnefeld’s interdisciplinary project on lipid metabolism and inflammation. The role combines cell‑based experiments with advanced mass‑spectrometry techniques to uncover lipid‑mediated signaling pathways.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, conduct and document experiments in cellular inflammation and metabolic models.
• Prepare samples and perform LC‑HRMS‑based lipidomics, metabolomics, GC‑HRMS fatty‑acid analysis, and LC‑MS/MS lipid‑mediator measurements.
• Execute quality control, data validation, annotation and statistical analysis of complex MS datasets.
• Develop reproducible data‑processing workflows using R and/or Python and integrate lipidomics data with imaging and proteomics results.
• Present findings in publications, meetings and conferences.

Required profile

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in analytical chemistry, chemistry, pharmacy, biochemistry, molecular life sciences or related field.
• Strong theoretical and practical background in analytical chemistry.
• Careful, structured, independent work style and ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams.
• Very good written and spoken English.

Required skills

• Liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC) techniques.
• High‑resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and lipidomics/metabolomics workflows.
• Experience with LC‑HRMS, GC‑HRMS, LC‑MS/MS.
• Programming in R and/or Python for data analysis.
• Cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques (advantageous).

What we offer

• Attractive salary based on collective agreement (TV‑G‑U, E13, 65%) with annual special payment.
• Long‑term security through company pension schemes.
• Close scientific supervision and structured training in HR‑MS, lipidomics and reproducible data analysis.
• Possibility of remote work, flexible part‑time options, childcare services, free public transport in Hessen and health‑related offers.