Open Positions

We are excited to announce two PhD student positions within the newly funded DFG Research Unit MagNet (Macrophage Niche Network Dynamics).

 The Research Unit MagNet aims to define macrophages as choreographers of tissue development, function, and integrity across different organs. This multidisciplinary consortium explores macrophage biology in health and disease using cutting-edge techniques such as spatial proteomics, 3D imaging, single-cell transcriptomics, and advanced mouse models. For further information see also https://macrophagenetwork.com/.

The two positions are placed in the laboratory of Prof. Stefan Uderhardt at the FriedrichAlexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and the laboratory of Prof. Eva Kiermaier at the University of Bonn/FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg. We are seeking for highly motivated PhD candidates to work at the interface of cell biology and immunology. 

The project of Stefan Uderhardt aims at understanding the role of Macrophage-Fibroblast networks in extracellular matrix homeostasis in vivo, particularly in synovial joints. It focuses on the cooperative interactions between macrophages and fibroblasts in regulating the turnover of extracellular matrix components to maintain tissue homeostasis and prevent inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Project relevant methods include mouse work, ex vivo and in vitro cell cultures, knockout mouse models, high-dimensional 2D and 3D tissue microscopy, transcriptomics; 2D and 3D coculture systems; AI-driven image reconstruction and quantification. 

The project of Eva Kiermaier aims at deciphering the interrelation between Kupffer cells and hepatocyte polyploidization. It explores how liver-resident macrophages (Kupffer cells) regulate the polyploidization of hepatocytes during early postnatal development, contributing to liver metabolism and function. Project relevant methods unclude ex vivo cell cultures, coculture experiments, conditional knockout mice, advanced live cell imaging and highresolution microscopy, proliferation assays, metabolomics and transcriptomics. 

The applicants should hold a master degree in cell biology, immunology, biochemistry or related fields. We particularly look for applicants with a collaborative attitude towards research and who can combine high personal ambition and work ethics with eagerness to contribute to other projects. We offer enrollment in structured graduate programs, cutting-edge research training in immune cell biology, immunology and quantitative cell biology, a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment with annual retreats, summer schools, international symposiums, and lab exchange opportunities as well as mentoring through Thesis Advisory Committees (TACs) for scientific and professional development.

Complete applications in English should include a CV, a brief statement of research experiences and interests and addresses of two referees. Please submit your application as a single PDF file to Stefan Uderhardt (Stefan.uderhardt@fau.de) or Eva Kiermaier (eva.kiermaier@uni-bonn.de) before April 15th 2025!

The University Hospital Bonn (UKB) is a maximum care hospital with more than 1,300 beds. Our more than 9,000 employees take on tasks in research, teaching and patient care as well as in public health at the highest level. In the science ranking (LOMV) and in the economic result, the UKB is number 1 of the university hospitals in NRW and in 2021 had the third highest case mix index of the university hospitals in Germany.

The Nowak Lab located at the Institute of Structural Biology, University Hospital Bonn, is seeking a 

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) 

to join our multidisciplinary team on a full-time (38.5 hours/week) position funded by PROXIDRUGs consortium, Germany´s Clusters4Future initiative until Dec 2027. As part of the academic-industry PROXIDRUGs consortium project you will be working with groups of Prof. Ivan Đikić (Geothe University, Frankfurt) Prof. Michael Potente (Berlin Institute of Health/Charite), Prof. Tobias Bopp (Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz) and AnalytiCon Discovery to discover and validate new proximity inducing small molecules towards challenging transcription factor targets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and validate cellular and in-vitro assays in 96 and 384 well format using CRISPR (HiBiT, protein tagging) or lentiviral stable integration
• Perform small molecule screens (covalent libraries) and use chemical biology to validate MOA
• Collaborate closely with team members on research projects and mentor junior lab members, including technicians, master’s students, and Ph.D. candidates.
• Prepare research findings for publication in high-impact scientific journals and present results at national and international conferences.
• Actively contribute to maintaining

Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Chemical Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Proven ability to design, develop, and execute complex small molecule projects, with a strong track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience in drug discovery projects beneficial, but not essential.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative and diverse research environment.
• High level of creativity, self-motivation, organizational skills, and attention to detail.

We offer:

• Adynamic and inspiring research environment with a high level of interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Employment according to TV-L (EG13, 100%), including benefits such as:
  • Company pension scheme and the possibility of aninterest-free loan to buy an e-bike.
  • Access to numerous employee discounts and corporate benefits and free membershipin UKBfit

How to apply:

Are you excited to join the growing team? Do not hesitate and send your detailed application (preferably by e-mail in one file up to 5 MB in size), stating the job advertisement number ST-17019 to:

Prof. Dr. Radosław Nowak

Institute of Structural Biology, University Clinic Bonn

E-Mail: radoslaw.nowak@ukbonn.de

The University of Bonn is an international research university offering a broad range of subjects. With a 200-year history, some 31,500 students, more than 6,000 employees and an outstanding reputation in Germany and abroad, the University of Bonn is one of the leading universities in Germany and has been awarded the status of a University of Excellence.

The group of Prof. Dr. Sven Burgdorf at the lab of Cellular Immunology of the LIMES Institute is looking to fill the following position as soon as possible, full time and on a fixed-term contract for 3.5 years:

Postdoc in cellular immunology and metabolism

The Life & Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute is an interdisciplinary institute for basic biomedical research, with a scientific focus on the regulation of metabolism and the immune system in health and disease.

Research background:

The main research interest of the Burgdorf group lies in the molecular and cell biological regulation of immune cell functionality by metabolic excess. In the project relevant for this position, we are specifically interested in the role of the soluble mannose receptor (MR) as driver of impaired whole-body metabolism, metaflammation and obesity. The working group is embedded in the DFG-funded cluster of excellence “ImmunoSensation2”. The position is available within the collaborative research center (CRC) 1454 “Metaflammation and Cellular Program-ming” funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). For further information please refer to https://www.limes-institut-bonn.de/en/research/research-departments/unit-2/burgdorf-lab/burgdorf-lab-home/ and https://www.sfb1454-metaflammation.de/ Your tasks:

• To investigate the role of the soluble MR in macrophage activation and the onset of inflammation and obesity
• To analyze a direct influence of the MR on lipid metabolism in adipose tissue
• To monitor the effect of soluble MR in the brain and its influence on stress re-sponsiveness
• To test therapeutic approaches to dampen MR-induced inflammation

Your profile:

• Applicants should hold a PhD or MD/PhD degree in immunology, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology or similar topics
• Research background in cell biology, molecular biology, immunobiology and ani-mal experimentation
• Methodological experience in flow cytometry, cell signaling and animal handling
• Good communication skills and fluency in English are essential
• We expect a highly motivated and independently working candidate with a good publication track record and willingness to work in an international team
• Interest to participate in teaching and supervision of undergraduate and graduate students

We offer:

• A varied, challenging job with one of the largest employers in the region,
• An international, stimulating, well-equipped working environment with an open and constructive atmosphere and the necessary infrastructure for high-quality re-search,
• A professional career development program
• Participation in a university-wide pension system (VBL),
• Access to the extensive university sports program,
• Easy access to the public transport system due to the central location in Bonn as well as the possibility to use inexpensive parking facilities,
• Remuneration in accordance with TV-L pay grade 13.

The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It is certified as a family-friendly univer-sity. The University of Bonn seeks to increase female representation in staffing areas where women are un-derrepresented and provide special career support. Accordingly, the University of Bonn expressly encourages qualified women to apply. Applications will be handled in accordance with the NRW State Gender Equality Act. Applications from qualified candidates with a certified severe disability or from those of equal status are espe-cially welcome.

If you are interested in this position, please send your complete application by email (as 1 combined PDF file including cover letter, CV, list of references (full address, incl. email and phone number), and list of publications to Sven Burgdorf by March 31,2025, quoting reference 33.2025.13. Please do not hesitate!

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Sven Burgdorf

Life & Medical Science Institute (LIMES)

E-Mail: burgdorf@uni-bonn.de

PhD position – Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells immunotherapy in glioblastoma

This Joint PhD project will be primarily based at the University of Bonn (Germany) with a minimum 12-month stay at the University of Melbourne (Australia).

Project: Delineating the role of surface PD-L1 on extracellular vesicles in response to cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells immunotherapy in glioblastoma

Anticipated project start date: Oct 01 2025

More information on the position can be found here

Contact:

Dr. Amit Sharma

Experimental Neurooncology

University Hospital Bonn

Email: amit.sharma@ukbonn.de

The Tumor Immunometabolism research group led by Jun. Prof. Laura Surace at the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology (University Hospital Bonn Campus), Faculty of Medicine Rheinische Friedrich Wilhelms-University Bonn invites applications for

PhD position – Metabolic regulation of tissue-resident immune cells during metastasis

We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a strong interest in immunology. Our lab is interested in better understanding the role of tissue-resident immune cells in metastasis formation. We aim to achieve this by defining tissue-specific immune subset metabolic requirements, phenotype and function and by assessing their interplay with the other components of the primary tumor and metastasis microenvironment. We specifically focus on innate lymphoid cells (ILC) and T cells (Karagiannis F*, Peukert K*, Surace L*, et al. Nature 2022; Surace et al. Nature Immunology 2021; Surace et al. Blood Advances 2021). For more information, please refer to the website: https://www.ukbonn.de/ikckp/forschung/ag-surace/. The project will investigate how changes in host metabolism shape the cellular composition and the metabolic features of the tissue microenvironment, during tumor development and metastasis. Ultimately the goal is to identify novel therapeutic strategies, including dietary intervention, that would be applicable in the treatment of metastatic cancer.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in life science (biology, biomedicine, molecular medicine or comparable studies).
• Candidates with experience in immunology, molecular or cell biology and biochemistry are specifically encouraged to apply
• Experience in laboratory techniques and the use of experimental mouse models
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• English skills

The candidate will work with mouse models and human samples applying classical immunological methods alongside cutting-edge technologies, including imaging mass spectrometry, multiplex tissue imaging, metabolomics and extracellular flux analysis. The selected candidate will have access to scientific and soft skill training through courses provided by the University of Bonn and external institutions.

We offer:

• A contract for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of extension.
• The salary according to the German salary scale TV-L
• A “Jobticket” (subsidized public transport)
• The possibility to use the day care center
• Supplementary benefits in the public sector (pension plan according to VBL)
• Attractive conditions and benefits, an interdisciplinary research institution that fosters innovation and collaboration and are committed to mentoring and the career development of the next generation of scientists.
• The opportunity to work as part of a young and motivated team within a thriving research environment

The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It is certified as a familyfriendly university. It aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are under-represented and to promote their careers in particular. It therefore urges women with relevant qualifications to apply. Applications will be handled in accordance with the Landesgleichstellungsgesetz (State Equality Act). Applications from suitable individuals with a certified serious disability and those of equal status are particularly welcome.

Applications should include:

• a CV
• a cover letter outlining why you are applying
• certificates
• the contact information of two referees

Deadline 31^st of March 2025. Please send all the listed documents by e-mail to:

Jun. Prof. Laura Surace W1-tenure track

Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology University Hospital Bonn

University of Bonn Venusberg-Campus 1

53127 Bonn, Germany

E-Mail: lsurace@uni-bonn.de

At the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), approximately 500,000 patients are treated annually, with around 9,000 employees contributing to our success. The hospital has a total budget of €1.6 billion and is home to more than 3,300 medical and dentistry students, as well as providing training for an additional 585 individuals in various healthcare professions each year. Ranked as the top university hospital in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) by the Focus Clinic List, the UKB also boasts the third-highest Case Mix Index (complexity of cases) in Germany.

The Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology at the University Hospital Bonn is seeking to fill the following position on a part-time basis (16–18 hours/week) as soon as possible:

Technical Assistant (m/f/d)

This project-based position is limited until December 31, 2027, with the possibility of an extension.

Position Overview
The successful candidate will contribute to research projects focusing on the role of the innate immune system in the development of cancer and metabolic diseases. The position is part of a project funded by the DFG and the German Cancer Aid and involves work with cell cultures, animal models, patient samples, as well as administrative and organizational tasks. The research group is part of several national research networks and the Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation².

Your Profile

• Completed training as a BTA, MTLA, CTA (m/f/d), or similar qualification
• Experience in handling mice is required
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: FACS, transfection, RNA isolation, qPCR, cell culture (S1 and S2)
• Willingness to take on organizational and administrative tasks
• Strong teamwork and service orientation, as well as the ability to work independently
• Solid English and German language skills are essential (lab communication is in English; organizational tasks are conducted in German)

What We Offer

• A dynamic, multinational research group with internationally recognized achievements in immunology, fostering collaboration and teamwork
• A collegial team environment
• Job security: Salary according to TV-L
• Family-friendly flexibility: Flexible working hours, access to the company daycare, and support for returning to work after parental leave
• Secure future: Company pension scheme
• Sustainable mobility: Interest-free loans for purchasing e-bikes
• Customized professional development: Sponsored training and continuing education
• A structured onboarding process
• Health and wellness: Numerous health promotion offers and free membership to the UKB fitness studio
• Employee benefits: Discounts through corporate benefits programs

Diversity and Equal Opportunity
We are committed to diversity and equal opportunity. Our goal is to increase the representation of women in underrepresented areas and actively support their careers. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women. Applications will be treated in accordance with the State Equal Opportunity Act. Applications from individuals with verified severe disabilities or equivalent status are particularly welcome.

If you meet our requirements and are looking for a diverse and challenging role, don’t hesitate to apply! Please send your complete application as a single PDF (max. 5 MB) by April 30, 2025, including reference number 16046, to:

Prof. Dr. Laura Surace
Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology
University Hospital Bonn
Venusberg-Campus 1
53127 Bonn
Tel.: +49 228 287 51129
Email: lsurace@uni-bonn.de and s6liawad@uni-bonn.de
Website: www.ukbonn.de

The Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology at the Faculty of Medicine of the Rheinische

Friedrich Wilhelms-University Bonn invites applications for a

Postdoctoral fellow (m/f/d) – metabolic and nutritional regulation of immunity

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to conduct research on the fundamental aspects of metabolic regulation of the immune system. The Project aims to understand how metabolites derived from the host, the diet or the microbiome shape the biology and metabolism of tissue-resident immune cells (e.g. T cells, innate lymphoid cells (ILC)) in health and disease. In particular the work aims to identify how diets (e.g. high-fat diet, ketogenic diets), dietary components, exercise and metabolites modulate the immune response in obesity, chronic inflammation and infections (Karagiannis et al. Immunity 2020, Karagiannis et al. Nature 2022, Theodorou et al. BioRxiv 2024). To translate findings to human patients, the project will leverage established collaborations with clinicians. The candidate will have the opportunity to obtain additional external funding and develop an independent research program during the postdoctoral training. 

We are looking for an enthusiastic scientist with a desire to work on a challenging and rewarding project as part of a friendly and supportive team. Applicants with Ph.D. degree and graduate students expecting to receive the degree within six months will be considered. The ideal candidate will have a background in immunology, tissue biology or cellular metabolism. Experience in working with animal models, cell isolations from tissues (lung, intestine), human tissue samples, multi-parameter flow cytometry, molecular biology and fluorescence imaging will be preferred.

We offer an interdisciplinary research environment that fosters innovation and collaboration and are committed to training and career development of the next generation of scientists. The position is available for an initial period of three years with the possibility of extension.

We offer:

• The salary will be according to the German salary scale TV-L (EG 13, 100%)

• To work in a motivated team in a thriving research environment

• Attractive conditions and benefits, an interdisciplinary research institution that fosters innovation

and collaboration and are committed to training and career development of the next generation of scientists

• Responsible and versatile: a job with a lot of creative freedom in a collegial team

• Flexible for families: flexible working time models, the option of a place in the company daycare center and offers for those returning from parental leave

• Provision for later: company pension scheme

• Clever to work: Possibility of an interest-free loan to buy an e-bike

• Tailor-made education: Subsidized further education and training

• Systematic start: Structured induction

• Healthy at work: Numerous health promotion offers, free membership in UKBfit

• Employer benefits: preferential offers for employees (corporate benefits)

The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It is certified as a family-friendly university. It aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are under-represented and to promote their careers in particular. It therefore urges women with relevant qualifications to apply. Applications will be handled in accordance with the Landesgleichstellungsgesetz (State Equality Act). Applications from suitable individuals with a certified serious disability and those of equal status are particularly welcome.

Applications should include a cover letter, CV and names and addresses of three referees and be send by

e-mail until February 10th 2025 to Prof. Christoph Wilhelm (christoph.wilhelm@uni-bonn.de). 

Webpage: https://www.ukbonn.de/en/icccp/research/wilhelm-group/

DZNE is a world-leading, internationally oriented center for cutting-edge research into diseases of the nervous system. With its outstanding research personalities and state-of-the-art infrastructure, it offers the best conditions for publications and results at the highest level.

Around 1,200 employees at 10 locations in Germany are working together on new approaches to better understand and effectively combat diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS.

That is our goal - maybe soon yours too? Become part of the DZNE and support us in realizing our research strategy!

PhD candidate (f/m/x) in Systems Medicine

Code: 1358/2024/10

The research area Systems Medicine (DZNE Bonn site) is recruiting a PhD candidate (65%) in the field of molecular and translational immunomics.

We are a diverse team working on systems medicine approaches in the context of immunology, chronic inflammation, aging, exposome and neurodegenerative diseases. Our research aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exposure impacts the immune system, particularly in the context of aging and non-communicable diseases.

We are currently seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our dynamic team working on cutting-edge research at the intersection of state-of-the-art omics technologies, in-vitro models and computational biology. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understand the clinical impact of the ubiquitous chronic exposure to PFAS worldwide. You will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of experts spanning various fields, including data and information sciences, immunology, environmental sciences and epidemiological studies.

Your role in detail

Your role will involve leveraging high-resolution single-cell multi-omics data and state-of-the-art organoid models to investigate the impact of PFAS on the immune system. You will perform single-cell multi-omics and high-dimensional cytometry experiment, run analyses and established lymphoid organoid systems. This work serves also as a blueprint for the future investigation of the immunotoxicity of various other environmental pollutants.

If you are passionate about addressing impactful questions in systems medicine we encourage you to apply for this PhD candidate position and be part of our transformative research.

For more general information, please also visit the website of Systems Medicine.

Your qualifications

• Master or equivalent in immunology, biomedicine, biotechnology, or comparable topics
• Strong research background in immunology, cell biology, and genomics or transcriptomics
• Practical experience in multi-color flow cytometry, molecular and cell biology, and transcriptomics is of advantage
• Practical knowledge of data analysis and machine learning using R or Python is of advantage
• Very good English proficiency
• Enthusiastic and collaborative work attitude
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team

What our employees value

• Innovation and internationality a forward-looking infrastructure, modern laboratory and office equipment, software tools and the opportunity for international exchange with your colleagues from 65 nations
• Work-life balance - we reconcile work and private life with flexible working hours, 30 days' holiday (On top free on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve) and subsidised job/ Germany ticket options
• Family-conscious corporate culture - because we know that familie is important, we support you with parent-child offices, family services and daycare co-operations
• Health promotion – through our extensive range of company health programmes, in cooperation with Sozialwerk.Bund
• Focus on development - training programmes tailored to your individual needs and annual HR-development meetings for concrete prospects and potential development
• Remuneration and conditions are consistent with those at other research institutes
• Personalised Onboarding - for a good start to your new professional challenge
• A feel-good working environment - our Bonn employees enjoy a campus surrounded by greenery, with on-site parking and public transport connections as well our company restaurant
• The position is initially limited to 3 years

Please submit your application online via the link below as a single pdf file, including your CV (incl. two references) and a brief cover letter (max. 1 page) stating your motivation for and prior experience relating to this offer.

If you have further questions, please contact joachim.schultze@dzne.de. Interviews will take place by video conference, with a possible and subsequent on-site visit to Bonn. The position is available as from January 1st, 2025 and applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Please find the application form here.

The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) is a world-leading internationally oriented research center, committed to discovering new approaches to prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases. To this end, researchers at ten DZNE sites across Germany pursue a translational and interdisciplinary strategy comprising five interconnected areas: fundamental research, clinical research, health care research, population health science, and systems medicine. www.dzne.de

Postdoctoral Scientist Immune diversity and Brain Health (f/m/x)

Code: 1306/2024/4

We are looking for an ambitious researcher with experience with immunology and a keen interest in large scale data analyses to join our Population Health Sciences group at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Bonn.

We investigate causes and biomarkers of neurodegenerative and other ageing related disorders, with the ultimate goal of enabling personalized disease prevention. Our research is primarily based on the Rhineland Study, a prospective cohort study that emphasizes deep phenotyping. The study currently includes more than 11.000 participants at baseline, follow-up data is already available from nearly 5.000 participants, and further data collection is ongoing. Available clinical data include detailed structural and functional brain imaging, cognitive and neurological assessments, cardiovascular and anthropometric assessments, sensory systems tests, and medical history and medication use data. Available multi-omics data, both from baseline and follow-up, include (epi) genomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, lipidomic, proteomic and microbiome data. A special research focus is on the role of the immune system in health and disease. To this end, we also included FACS analyses, immune stimulation assays and extensive cytokine profiling into our core protocols. We collaborate with multiple partners at Bonn University in the Cluster of Excellence “Immunosensation” and the Collaborative Research Center “Metaflammation”.

Your tasks

In addition to contributing to ongoing projects, you will lead and develop your own research projects aligned with our group's research interests. This includes conducting and overseeing experiments in the laboratory, analyzing data, and preparing publications for peer-reviewed journals. Furthermore, you will actively participate in national and international conferences and engage with the scientific community. You will have the opportunity to supervise PhD and master's students and – if desired – to be involved in teaching.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of excellence in research, outstanding analytical and communication skills, and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic team-oriented environment. If you are passionate about making meaningful contributions to the field of non-communicable diseases and immunology, we encourage you to apply.

We offer

The position is initially limited to three years with the possibility of extension. We are looking for motivated individuals to help us address pressing health issues related to aging. As a member of our highly interdisciplinary and international team, you will have access to excellent scientific infrastructure with state-of-the-art research and computational facilities. You will have excellent publication opportunities and great potential for the further development of your own research profile. We actively encourage and support personal development, and offer employment, payment, and social benefits that are in line with other leading research institutes.

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit, as one single PDF file, a CV, transcripts, 3 references, and a cover letter describing your motivation to apply for this position, including research interest and experience, through the following link below

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For inquiries about the position, please contact Prof Dr Dr Monique Breteler at population-research@dzne.de