ImmunoSensation2 is a Cluster of Excellence funded by Germany’s Excellence Strategy at the University of Bonn. Participating scientists are dedicated to investigating innate immunity beyond the boundaries of classical immunology. In a joint effort, immunologists, neuro-biologists, systems biologists and mathematicians of the University of Bonn and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) of the Helmholtz Association aim to connect the status of the immune system, the metabolism and the nervous system to disease states. ImmunoSensation2 is embedded into the outstanding research environment of the University of Bonn, the University Hospital and the DZNE. Furthermore, ImmunoSensation2 is internationally connected and maintains research partnerships with Australia (Melbourne University), Japan (Osaka University, Kyoto University), Brazil (University of Sao Paulo) and the Netherlands (Radboud University, Nijmegen). Students will have the opportunity to receive additional financial support to participate in a student exchange program (3 to 6 months) with selected principal investigators at these partner universities.

PhD students will be admitted to the Bonn International Graduate School Immunosciences and Infection. In this structured PhD program, students gain experience with state-of-the-art technologies and become part of a vibrant scientific network and an internationally competitive scientific training program.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and team-oriented with a strong interest in immunology, a first-class academic degree in a life science-related discipline (Master’s degree or equivalent), a strong background in immune genetics, molecular biomedicine, molecular biology, biochemistry or cell biology and enthusiasm for working in the highly-competitive field of innate immunity research. Candidates should have strong communicative skills (fluent spoken and written English) since these are necessary for work in an international research landscape.

Applicants should send their application in a single pdf file (max. 5 MB) including motivation letter, CV, scanned academic degrees, list of publications and the contact details of two references. In your application, please indicate your preferred scientific projects (max of three). More information on the scientific projects and project leaders can be found here: https://www.immunosensation.de/opportunities/open-positions#section-start-110890-phd-positions-at-the-bigs-immunosciences-an, and more detailed information will be provided during the recruitment process. 

Successful candidates can begin on 1.1.2025 or upon request.