Beschreibung

Excellence cluster Immunosensation PhD student (m/f/d)

at the Department of Nephrology, Medical Clinic 1, University Hospital Bonn, Germany

Research topic
The kidney excretes metabolic waste and regulates, blood pressure, the electrolyte and water balance of the body. Chronic kidney disease has major impact on function of the entire body, specifically the vasculature in causes major complications including heart attacks and stroke. We investigate inflammatory mechanisms of crosstalk of kidney disease vascular cells.
Methods will include work with primary cells, human cells kidney samples as well as murine models of kidney disease. We employ state of the art techniques including multimodal assessment of immune cells and kidney damage by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and gene expression analysis.
Our lab (https://nephrologie-ukbonn.de/forschungslabor) at University Clinic Bonn, is part of the German research foundation (DFG) BARICADE and SFB1192 consortia and situated within the excellence cluster Immunosensation3 (https://www.immunosensation.de/members/prof-dr-sibylle-von-vietinghoff) at University of Bonn, thus offers multiple interaction and training opportunities for PhD students, both in immunology and general professional development. University Hospital Bonn is a maximum care facility with 1.300 beds. Our current staff of more than 8.000 performs research, teaching and medical treatment, including the use of advanced medical technologies, and public health care services at the highest possible level.

Recent related publication

Possenriede L, Sendtner GW, Falahat P, Miranda J, Schmidt A, Ludwig KU, von Vietinghoff S. LDL receptor promotes urinary tract infection by α-hemolysin-producing Escherichia coli and long-term histopathologic sequelae in the kidney. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2025 Sep 23;122(38):e2520130122.
Falahat P, Goldspink A, Oehler L, Schmitz J, Miranda J, Gammoudi I, Bräsen JH, Klümper N, Babyak O, Kurts C, Haller H, Toma M, von Vietinghoff S. NaCl and urea modulate CD8+ T cell survival, renal accumulation and response to BK virus. JCI Insight. 2025 Aug 26:e194570.
Goldspink A*, Schmitz J*, Babyak O, Brauns N, Milleck J, Breloh AM, Fleig SV, Jobin K, Schwarz L, Haller H, Wagenlehner F, Bräsen JH, Kurts C, von Vietinghoff S. Kidney medullary sodium chloride concentrations induce neutrophil and monocyte extracellular DNA traps that defend against pyelonephritis in vivo. Kidney Int. 2023
Your profile
You are highly motivated to investigate clinical questions with state of the art experimental methodology. To this end, you work responsibly in interaction of clinicians and basic scientists. You hold Master’s Degree/Diploma in biology, biochemistry, pharmacy, or a related field of the life sciences. Animal work is a central part of the project, a completed FELASA certification is preferred but not required at start. Previous experience with immunologic techniques such as confocal microscopy and flow cytometry is very welcome. We offer:

Initial contract for 3 years with possible extension
Salary: TVL E13 (65%)
A “Jobticket” (subsidized public transport) is available
There is also a possibility to use the day care center
Supplementary benefits in the public sector (pension plan according to VBL)

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.