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

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 Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology at the Faculty of Medicine of the Rheinische Friedrich Wilhelms-University Bonn invites applications for a full-time (38,5 h/week)
    
Postdoctoral fellow (m/f/d) – metabolic and nutritional regulation of immunity  

The position is to be filled on a project-limited basis until 31.01.2028.

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 day-care 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 names and addresses of three referees and be send preferably by e-mail under indication of reference number until June 30th 2025 to Prof. Christoph Wilhelm (christoph.wilhelm@uni-bonn.de). 

Prof. Christoph Wilhelm
Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology
University Hospital Bonn
University of Bonn
Venusberg-Campus 1
Bonn 53127
Germany
e-mail: christoph.wilhelm@uni-bonn.de