Open Positions

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

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 Bon invites applications for

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

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 tumor development and response to therapies. We aim to achieve this by defining their metabolic requirements, phenotype and function and by assessing their interplay with the other components of the tumor 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.

The project will investigate how changes in host metabolism and diet-derived small molecules in health and disease (e.g. obesity) shape the composition and metabolic features of the tumor microenvironment and the antitumor immunity during tumor onset and progression. Ultimately the goal is to identify novel therapeutic strategies, including dietary intervention, that would be applicable in the treatment of cancer.

Requirements

•  Master’s degree in life science (biology, biomedicinebiomedicine, 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
   

These information should be send by e-mail by the 31st of November 2024 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: mailto:lsurace@uni-bonn.de