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. 

PhD Positions in Cellular Immunology (within the RU 5775 MagNet)

Two PhD Student Positions (m/f/d) (65% E13 TV-L)

We are excited to announce two PhD student positions within the newly funded DFG Research Unit MagNet (Macrophage Niche Network Dynamics) 

The Research Unit MagNet aims to define macrophages as choreographers of tissue development, function, and integrity across different organs. This multidisciplinary consortium explores macrophage biology in health and disease using cutting-edge techniques such as spatial proteomics, 3D imaging, single-cell transcriptomics, and advanced mouse models. For further information see also  www.macrophagenetwork.com

The two positions are placed in the laboratory of Prof. Stefan Uderhardt at the Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and the laboratory of Prof. Eva Kiermaier at the University of Bonn/FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg.

We are seeking for highly motivated PhD candidates to work at the interface of cell biology and immunology. The project of Stefan Uderhardt aims at understanding the role of Macrophage-Fibroblast networks in extracellular matrix homeostasis in vivo, particularly in synovial joints.It focuses on the cooperative interactions between macrophages and fibroblasts in regulating the turnover of extracellular matrix components to maintain tissue homeostasis and prevent inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Project relevant methods include mousework, ex vivo and in vitro cell cultures, knockout mouse models, high-dimensional 2D and 3D tissue microscopy, transcriptomics; 2D and 3D co-culture systems; AI-driven image reconstruction and quantification.

The project of Eva Kiermaier aims at deciphering the interrelation between Kupffer cells and hepatocyte polyploidization. It explores how liver-resident macrophages (Kupffer cells) regulate the polyploidization of hepatocytes during early postnatal development, contributing to liver metabolism and function. Project relevant methods unclude ex vivo cell cultures, co-culture experiments, conditional knockout mice, advanced live cell imaging and high-resolution microscopy, proliferation assays, metabolomics and transcriptomics.

The applicants should hold a master degree in cell biology, immunology, biochemistry or related fields. 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. We offer enrollment in structured graduate programs, cutting-edge research training in immune cell biology, immunology and quantitative cell biology, a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment with annual retreats, summer schools, international symposiums, and lab exchange opportunities as well as mentoring through Thesis Advisory Committees (TACs) for scientific and professional development. 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 Stefan Uderhardt (Stefan.uderhardt@fau.de) or Eva Kiermaier (eva.kiermaier@uni-bonn.de) before April 15th 2025.

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.