Working with us

Working with us means joining a research institute within the University of Bonn that is dedicated to the promotion of talented young researchers. It means the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in a multidisciplinary, resource-rich environment where people come together to collaborate, share ideas and inspire each other's research aspirations. 

The Life & Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute is offering a

PhD position in Cellular Immunology

at the Department of Immune- and Tumor Biology starting latest in February 2025. The position is placed in the laboratory of Prof. Eva Kiermaier at the LIMES Institute in Bonn. The Institute is part of the Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences at the University of Bonn. We are seeking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to work at the interface of cell biology and immunology. The project focuses on the regulation of centrosomes during immune processes. We mainly concentrate on centrosome structure, function and regulation in human and mouse dendritic cells – the most potent antigen presenting cells of the innate immune system.

The lab combines cell based in vitro assays with studies in living animals (mouse) to provide a complete picture of the molecular basis of centrosome-mediated immunity. The applicant should hold a master degree in cell biology, biochemistry or immunology. We particularly look for applicants with a collaborative attitude towards research and who can combine high personal ambition and work ethics with eagerness to contribute to other projects.

Salary is paid according to German TV-L (E13; 65%). The University of Bonn is an equal opportunities employer. Complete applications in English should include a CV, a brief statement of research experiences and interests and addresses of two referees. Please submit your application as a single pdf file to Eva Kiermaier (eva.kiermaier@uni-bonn.de) before October 15th.

Position vacancies for non-academic staff will be advertised on this page and that of the University of Bonn.

For people interested in studying with us, please visit our Education and Training page for more details on study courses and application information.  

People holding fellowships at any career level, are strongly encouraged to apply directly to the lab head of a specific research group of interest at any time. Information regarding German Research Funding opportunities can be found below.

International staff and students are also encouraged to visit our International LIMES page for more helpful links and information about life at the LIMES institute.

There are many funding streams supporting scientists transitioning from different labs, countries and career levels. Ranging from organizations such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), EMBO, and foundations such as the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, to programs including the Human Frontiers Science Program, you will find something suitable for you. 

To help kick-start start your research, the Research in Germany website provides comprehensive information about the German research funding system, funding organizations and funding programs for international researchers at all career levels. 

Tip: Funding databases offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and EURAXESS are a great tool to help dissect relevant fellowship opportunities. 

In addition, the Human Resource Development team at the University of Bonn offers both researchers and technical and administrative staff members a wide range of consultation offers and seminars.

The city of Bonn, on the river Rhine with a population of 327,000 is a vibrant, multicultural university town and ideal location for our institute. The university district is dominated by the ‘Bonner’ youth and numerous cafés, restaurants and bars add to the lively atmosphere in the inner city. Bonn is the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, who lived here for over 20 years before his life took him to Vienna. It is a cultural center that hosts prestigious concerts and exhibitions, attracting over 1 million visitors from around the world to its Museum Mile each year.

The city is also home to 18 United Nations organizations and several world-class research and education institutions. The international University of Bonn (German: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn) was founded in its present form in 1818, by King Frederick William III of Prussia and is now one of Germany's most reputable institutions of higher learning with over 34,000 students. Among its most famous alumni are seven Nobel Prize winners, fourteen laureates of the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize, two winners of the Fields Medal, Pope Benedict XVI, Heinrich Heine, Karl Marx, Konrad Adenauer, Joseph Schumpeter and Friedrich Nietzsche. It is also one of the German universities, which was included as part of the Excellence Initiative in the funding lines the Cluster of Excellence and Graduate Schools.