The `Z I E L Research Center for Nutrition and Food Sciences` at the Technische Universität München (TUM) brings together research competence at the interface of food science, nutrition and health. We are particulary dedicated towards the coordinated training of young scientists in basic and applied research.

Further information is available online (http://www.ziel.tum.de).


Starting in January 2010 we are offering 4 PhD positions for the Z I E L – PhD Graduate School entitled “Nutritional adaptation and epigenetic mechanisms”. Research units at the Z I E L are studying fundamental molecular processes related to the biology of nutrition. For our new PhD graduate school we seek talented and highly motivated students (MSc. or Diploma) with a particular interest in research bridging nutrition and molecular mecha-nisms of gene expression including classical and epigenetic transcriptional control. Applications are invited from individuals with a strong interest in being part of an innovative and multidisciplinary research team.
PhD students will focus on one of the following research topics:

1) Mitochondrial plasticity as a means of thermogenic recruitment
2) Impact of maternal inflammation on gut functionality
3) Epigenetic changes in female offspring through nutritional estrogen exposure in utero
4) Gestational diabetes mellitus, inflammation and early childhood obesity: A role for pathological adaptation and epigenetic modulations?

The duration of the PhD project is three years with the option of an extension. The Z I E L – coor-dinated PhD Graduate School includes a project-based budget for consumables, equipment and travel. The salary will be according to the German public service scale (TV-L, E13/2). The deadline for applications is December 31, 2009.
Please carefully consider all four projects and indicate the preferred project in your application. For project details please contact the program coordinator Dr. Susanne Ulbrich (ulbrich@wzw.tum.de).

Applications should include a letter describing the particular interest in the position and pertinent experience, a curriculum vitae as well as copies of all academic qualification certificates. Please send your application to:

Dr Elisabeth Luttermann-Semmer
Technische Universität München
Z I E L – Business Management
Weihenstephaner Berg 1
D-85350 Freising- Weihenstephan
e-mail: info.ziel@wzw.tum.de