Postdoc (m/f/x) – Microbiome in Stroke and Aging

The Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) in Jena is a federal and state government-funded research institute and member of the Leibniz Association (Leibniz-Gemeinschaft). FLI’s internationally visible and highly competitive research is focused on understanding the mechanisms of aging and associated age-related diseases. Scientists from over 40 countries are currently investigating the molecular mechanisms of aging and the occurrence of age-related diseases. Our aim is to create the basis for new approaches in medicine as a way to improve the health of the elderly (www.leibniz-fli.de).

The Research Group of Dr. Katarzyna Winek at the FLI is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher (m/f/x) to join the international lab:

Postdoc (m/f/x)
Microbiome in Stroke and Aging

Research focus of the lab: The Winek research group investigates the mechanisms underlying bidirectional brain-body communication, with a focus on the immune system, molecular regulators of immune responses, and the gut microbiota. We are particularly interested in elucidating the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurological diseases with emphasis on age-related disorders, ischemic stroke, and its complications.

Your tasks:

The postdoctoral project will involve investigating neuro-immune interactions in ischemic stroke and the role of the gut microbiota in shaping stroke outcome leveraging next-generation sequencing (NGS), immunological techniques, and bioinformatic approaches.

• Conducting studies using animal mouse models and mechanistic investigations in cell culture
• Developing an independent subproject in a framework of collaborative work
• Writing manuscripts and grants
• Participation in scientific meetings and discussions

Your qualifications:

• PhD in biology, biomedicine, or a relevant discipline
• Solid experience in molecular techniques, flow cytometry, cell sorting, and/or microscopy
• Experience in bioinformatics is of great advantage (bulk RNA-seq, single cell RNA-seq)
• FELASA equivalent certification and experience in planning of animal experiments is a plus
• Strong motivation and genuine interest in interdisciplinary research combining neurobiology, immunology, and microbiology
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills

We offer:

• You will join a world-leading research institute dedicated to the biology of aging, where you will have the opportunity to work in a well-equipped lab alongside an international team focused on investigating the role of the microbiome in stroke and aging.
• You will have access to multiple state-of-the-art facilities. Our work is embedded in the Beutenberg Campus, an interdisciplinary base for innovative research.
• The offered position is integrated in the FLI Postdoc Network. The network promotes interdisciplinary collaborations involving clinician scientists, basic scientists, and bioinformaticians and supports career development and postdoctoral training courses.
• The contract conditions and the salary will be according to the collective labor agreement for public service employees of the federal states of Germany (E 13 TV-L)
• Furthermore, we offer flexible working time, a family friendly working environment that provides a healthy work-life balance, company health management, including support for child care solutions, and dual career options.

Application:

Please apply online via the FLI application portal by July 19, 2026.

FLI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and promotes diversity. It aims to increase the proportion of underrepresented groups in case of equal suitability. All qualified persons, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law will receive consideration for employment.