Open Positions

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 shape the biology and metabolism of tissue-resident immune cells (e.g. T cells, innate lymphoid cells (ILC)) in health and disease. The work builds on recent findings of the lab (Karagiannis et al. Nature 2022, Theodorou et al. BioRxiv 2024, Wientjens et al. Immunity 2025,) and is focused on studying how different diets (e.g. highfat diet, ketogenic diets) but also fasting modulate the immune response. The aim is to gain knowledge that could be applied to better understand and treat diseases such as obesity, chronic inflammation and infections. 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 April 15th 2026 to

Prof. Christoph Wilhelm
Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology
University Hospital Bonn
Venusberg-Campus 1
53127 Bonn, Germany
E-Mail: christoph.wilhelm@uni-bonn.de 
Webpage: https://www.ukbonn.de/en/icccp/research/wilhelm-group/ 

Institute: Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology (IMMEI) at the Medical Faculty Campus, University Hospital Bonn

Principle Investigator: Prof. Dr. Zeinab Abdullah

Position: Part time or full time (38.5 hrs/week)

Research Environment:

IMMEI, located at the Medical Faculty Campus of Bonn University Clinic, provides an exceptional environment for cutting-edge research. Our state-of-the-art facilities offer a platform for collaboration and innovation. The working group is led by Prof. Dr. Zeinab Abdullah (https://www.immei.de/research/zeinab-abdullah-laboratory), who has substantial experience and expertise in the field. IMMEI is comprised of 6 working groups and approx. 30 scientific and non-scientific staff (www.iei-bonn.de). AG Abdullah primarily studies chronic liver inflammation and its impact on anti-viral immune responses and tissue regeneration. The group utilises a diverse mixture of in vitro and in vivo methodologies to perform basic and applied immunological research. This position will be based within the AG Abdullah working group but you will be integrated and expected to work as part of the larger IMMEI research infrastructure. 

Responsibilities:

• Work with transgenic mice (Genotyping, husbandry, organ processing, injections)
• Support scientists with experiments
• Help in the technical training of PhD and Masters students
• Cell culture
• Establishment of SOPs and maintenance of core lab resources
• Perform flow cytometric profiling of immune populations

Required Qualifications:

• Completed vocational training (BTA, MTA, CTA, or equivalent) or a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, immunology, or a related life science field. PhD holders are not eligible for this position.
• Hands-on flow cytometry experience, including sample acquisition, and data analysis
• Practical mouse handling experience, including in vivo injection techniques (I.V., S.C.) and organ processing
• FELASA B certification (or equivalent) for animal work, or willingness to obtain it
• Proficient in mammalian cell culture
• Standard molecular biology techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.)
• Fluent German (written and spoken) – required for daily lab operations and regulatory documentation
• Good working English (written and spoken)

Desired Qualifications (not mandatory but preferred):

• Experience with mouse colony maintenance
• Experience with processing and handling of human samples
• Familiarity with in vitro immunological assays

We Offer:

• Competitive salary according to the German salary scale TV-L.
• Responsibility, variety, and flexibility in job scope
• Initial one-year project associated contract with the option to extend
• Family-friendly flexible working hours
• Occupational pension scheme
• Dynamic working environment
• Extensive training opportunities

How to Apply:

Submit a single PDF labelled “TA_position_[YourLastName]” containing: 

1. Cover letter
2. Academic transcripts
3. CV (short 2-4 pages)
4. Contact information for two referees

Email this document to Prof. Zeinab Abdullah & Dr. Dillon Corvino (immei.abdullah.lab@gmail.com) with the subject “TA Application [YourLastName]”

Deadline: Rolling – position open until filled. Early applications encouraged.

Start date: Negotiable, preference for earliest availability.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity:
The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity irrespective of gender, ethnicity, age, nationality, religion, disability, etc. As such, applications will be assessed in accordance with the Landesgleichstellungsgesetz (State Equality Act).