PhD Student Position in Intestinal Inflammation Research (m/f/d)

The research group Immune Pathophysiology at the Department of Surgery invites applications for a

PhD Student Position in Intestinal Inflammation Research (m/f/d)

(part-time position 65 %)

The position is funded by the German research council (DFG) and available from spring 2024 due a project for a period of 3 years.

Postoperative wound healing disturbances within the GI tract are one of the most dreaded complications of abdominal surgery. Visceral fat plays an essential role in the healing process. In this project, we aim to understand the role of specific immune cells in the colon and mesenteric and visceral fat during intestinal wound healing. We will analyse the role of fatty-acid-derived mediators and immunological response in colonic and fat tissues using state-of-the-art methods, including spatial imaging, RNA sequencing at single cell level, and multicolour flow cytometry. Our overarching goal is the identification of mediators crucially involved in intestinal healing. Via our clinical collaborators, we have access to human samples that have already been biobanked.

Our group is part of the Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation² in Bonn and offers a great environment for young researchers. The PhD position will be integrated into the local graduate program BIGS Immunosciences and Infection with outstanding training opportunities in multidisciplinary, interconnected scientific fields. Additional mentoring and networking opportunities will support it.

• High intrinsic motivation and enthusiasm, as well as a deep interest in Biomedicine and Immunology
• Master's degree or diploma in Life Science (Biology, Biomedicine, Molecular Medicine or comparable fields of study)
• Strong knowledge of intestinal immunology and/or fat biology.
• Expertise in flow cytometry is notably mandatory.
• Expertise in and authorisation to perform small animals
• Experience in RNAseq analyses is a plus.
• English or German skills at C1 level or higher

We offer

• A salary according to the German salary scale TV-L E13 (65%)
• Possibility of using the daycare center
• Supplementary benefits in the public sector (pension plan according to VBL)
• An innovative and clinically relevant research project with the availability of state-of-the-art techniques, established disease models and instrumentations in our lab and the multiple core facilities at the campus.
• A good methodical education and excellent supervision in a friendly group
• Possibility for further education in university and non-university courses