​​​​​​​2 PhD Positions Available

on the topics Maternal Obesity, Lung Development & Immune Programming

Current job vacancies

2 PhD Positions Available on the topics Maternal Obesity, Lung Development & Immune Programming

Host Laboratories:
Prof. Elvira Mass, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn
Jun.-Prof. Ivonne Vazquez, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn

Each PhD student will be embedded in one lab but work in close collaboration. Joint supervision, regular exchange, and shared experimental pipelines will ensure that both students are fully integrated into the overarching project.

Project Description
Lung development and function depend on finely tuned interactions between immune cells and alveolar epithelial cells. Alveolar macrophages (AMs), maintained by GM-CSF secreted from type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECII), are critical for surfactant clearance, host defence, and tissue repair. In turn, AMs regulate epithelial proliferation and differentiation, forming a tightly controlled epithelial–immune axis.
Maternal obesity-a growing global health problem-can perturb this axis through “developmental programming” during fetal and perinatal periods. AMs are especially vulnerable to such programming due to their long lifespan and responsiveness to maternal cytokines and metabolites. These cues may epigenetically alter macrophage function, disrupt AM–AECII communication, and increase susceptibility to respiratory diseases later in life.
In this joint project, we investigate how maternal obesity shapes the long-term function of AMs and their interaction with AECII during lung development and infection. Using a combination of:

  • in vivo mouse models of maternal obesity and influenza infection (Mass lab),
  • and multilineage lung organoid systems (Vazquez lab),

we aim to uncover how metabolic signals and immune crosstalk drive lung dysfunction in the next generation.

We are looking for two highly motivated PhD students:

PhD Position 1 – Mass Lab:
Focus on in vivo models, flow cytometry, transcriptomics, and developmental immunology.
PhD Position 2 – Vazquez Lab:
Focus on lung organoid cultures, epithelial biology, and cell communication.
Both PhD students will work hand in hand and have access to all methodological platforms. Supervision will be closely coordinated, and the candidates will contribute to joint data interpretation and publication. 

About us
Our labs are located in the LIMES Institute, which is highly interdisciplinary, addresses basic research questions in developmental biology, immunology, genetics, and biochemistry and thus provides all the basic equipment required for the project. For more specific methodology we are closely collaborating with groups at the DZNE and the Medical Faculty.

Your Profile

  • The candidate is required to hold an M.Sc. degree in immunology, cell biology, molecular medicine, biochemistry, or a related life science field
  • We are looking for candidates with hands-on experience or a strong interest in developing expertise in molecular biology, high-dimensional flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and bioinformatic analyses (particularly single-cell RNA-seq)
  • Experience in mouse work (for the Mass lab) or cell/organoid culture systems (for the Vazquez lab) is highly desirable 
  • Interest in developmental programming, immunometabolism, and epithelial–immune communication
  • Excellent communication skills and fluency in English
  • Motivation to work collaboratively and across disciplines

We offer

  • A thriving academic environment
  • Access to cutting-edge technologies including single-cell omics, live imaging, FACS, and high-content organoid systems
  • Integration into the Bonn International Graduate School of Immunosciences and Infection
  • A professional career development program
  • Integration into the Bonn International Graduate School of Immunosciences and Infection
  • Participation in the university-wide pension system (VBL)
  • Access to an extensive university sports program
  • A salary based on the TV-L scale (E13, 65%)

The university is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It is certified as a family-friendly university. Applications from suitable candidates with a certified disability or equivalent status are particularly welcome.

Application
Please submit the following documents in a single PDF:

  • Cover letter (please indicate preference for one lab or openness to both)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • University transcripts and degree certificates
  • Contact information for two academic referees

Please send your application to: dodenkirch@uni-bonn.de
Deadline for applications: 15th June 2025

Start date: 1. September 2025 or by mutual agreement.
For informal inquiries, you are welcome to contact Prof. Elvira Mass or Jun.-Prof. Ivonne Vazquez 
directly:
elvira.mass@uni-bonn.de
vazquez@uni-bonn.de