2 Postdoctoral Scientists (m/f/d)

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 it the research group ‘Molecular Immunology’ of Prof. Florian I. Schmidt at the Institute of Innate Immunity , University of Bonn, offers the following positions in the context of our ERC proposal DEFLAMMATION on negative regulation of inflammation:

2 Postdoctoral Scientists (m/f/d)

The respective candidates would start on June 1st, 2026 (or at the earliest convenient time point).

As part of a research project, the position is fixed-term until May 21, 2029.

The Institute of Innate Immunity conducts basic research at the University of Bonn and is located on the campus of the University Hospital Bonn. We investigate how the innate immune system preserves health and under which circumstances it facilitates pathologies. We train scientists at all career levels in innate immunity, cell biology, and virology. We develop novel tools to investigate (and potentially treat) inflammatory and infectious diseases.

Tasks:
Research project on the negative regulation of inflammation by NLRC3 and NLRX1 using the following techniques:

• Molecular and cell biology including generation of novel reporter cell lines and fluorescent readouts for inflammation (Cloning, generation of cell lines, functional readouts for inflammation by flow cytometry and cytokine assays)

• Functional and biochemical experiments using camelid nanobodies to visualize and perturb NLR-based signalosomes (Protein expression and characterization, advanced fluorescence microscopy methods including super-resolution microscopy and proximity ligation assays

• CRISPR screens to identify novel components of signaling cascades that dampen inflammation (Fluorescence-activated cell sorting and survival screens, NGS)

Requirements:

• Completed PhD thesis and experience/technical expertise in Virology, Immunology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or Structural Biology (or similar)

• Motivated and enthusiastic to conduct cutting edge research at the interface of innate immunity, cell biology, and molecular biology

• Strong proficiency in both written and spoken English

• Reliable and able to work independently

• Team-oriented, with open communication

• Open and flexible to an interactive and internationally networked environment

We offer:

• Integration into the postdoctoral network of the Excellence Cluster Immunosensation3
• Cutting edge laboratory equiment and instrumentation
• Exciting and unique techniques and methods
• Responsible and diverse: A position with plenty of room for creativity and responsibility within a supportive and collegial team
• Fair compensation TV-L EG13: Pay according to the TV-L 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) by June 16, 2026, stating the job advertisement number ST-45022 to:

Dr. Florian Schmidt
Institut für Angeborene Immunität (BMZ)
Universitätsklinikum Bonn
Venusberg-Campus 1
53127 Bonn
E-Mail:
[email protected]
[email protected]