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

The University Hospital Bonn (UKB) is one of Germany’s leading university hospitals, combining top-level performance in medicine and research with excellence in teaching. Each year, more than half a million patients receive inpatient and outpatient care at the UKB. Around 3,500 students study medicine and dentistry here, and over 600 people are trained annually in healthcare professions. With approximately 9,900 employees, the UKB is the third-largest employer in the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg region. In the Focus hospital ranking, the UKB ranks first among university hospitals in North Rhine-Westphalia and second nationwide in terms of case mix index (case severity). In 2024, the UKB raised nearly €100 million in third-party funding for research, development, and teaching. The F.A.Z. Institute has named the UKB “Germany’s Training Champion” and “Germany’s Most Attractive Employer” for the fourth consecutive year.

The following full-time (38.5 hours/week) position is to be filled as soon as possible in the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology at the Faculty of Medicine of the Rheinische Friedrich Wilhelms-University Bonn:

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

The position is available for an initial period of three years.

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to fill a Ph.D. student position in dietary immunology in the research group of Christoph Wilhelm at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), University of Bonn. Dietary immunology is an emerging field that investigates how dietary compounds and metabolites regulate the immune system. The project will investigate how diets (e.g. high-fat diet, ketogenic diets) and dietary components drive or reverse inflammation and includes the analysis of metabolic pathways controlling tissue resident immune cells such as T cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILC) (Karagiannis et al. Nature 2022, Theodorou et al. BioRxiv 2024, Wientjens et al. Immunity 2025). To investigate these processes the candidate will use mouse models, transcriptomics, classical immunological methods but also cutting-edge technologies, such as imaging flow cytometry, metabolomics, proteomics and extracellular flux analysis. In addition, the project has potential to utilize links with clinicians to translate findings to human patients. The overall aim is to identify novel dietary intervention strategies that are effective to reverse inflammation in diabetes and to treat chronic inflammation. Candidates with experience in cellular immunology, molecular cell biology or biochemistry are specifically encouraged to apply.

We offer:

• Responsible and diverse: A position with plenty of room for creativity and responsibility within a supportive and collegial team
• Fair compensation: Pay according to the TV-L 13 collective agreement, including annual bonus and company pension scheme
• Family-friendly flexibility: Flexible working time models, access to a place in our company daycare center, and programs supporting employees returning from parental leave
• Smart commuting: Excellent connection to the SWB public transport network and the option of an interest-free loan for the purchase of an e-bike
• Supported development: Individual training opportunities through courses, e-learning programs, and coaching sessions
• Structured onboarding: A systematic introduction to your new role and team
• Healthy at work: A wide range of health and wellness programs, plus free membership at the UKB fitness studio
• Employee benefits: Access to discounted offers for employees (corporate benefits)

We are committed to diversity and equal opportunities. Our goal is to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented and to particularly promote their careers. We therefore urge relevantly qualified women to apply. Applications are treated in accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act. Applications from suitable people with proven severe disabilities and those of equal status are particularly welcome.

How to apply:
Do you meet our requirements and are you looking for a varied and challenging job? Do not hesitate and send your detailed application (preferably by e-mail in one file up to 5 MB in size) within four weeks stating the job advertisement number ST-36028 to:

Prof. Christoph Wilhelm
Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology
University Hospital Bonn
Venusberg-Campus 1
53127 Bonn, Germany
E-Mail: [email protected]