PhD position – Dietary regulation of immune cells (m/f/d)

The position is available for an initial period of three years due to the doctorate, with the possibility of extension.

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. Immunity 2020, Karagiannis et al. Nature 2022, Theodorou et al. BioRxiv 2024). 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.

The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It is certified as a family-friendly university. It aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are under-represented and to promote their careers in particular. It therefore urges women with relevant qualifications to apply. Applications will be handled in accordance with the Landesgleichstellungsgesetz (State Equality Act). Applications from suitable individuals with a certified serious disability and those of equal status are particularly welcome.