The Molecular Mycology research group hosted by Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Sven Krappmann at the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene of the University Hospital Erlangen offers a PhD position to investigate the interaction of Aspergillus fumigatus with eosinophils in a model of allergic lung inflammation. Research activities of the lab are directed at determinants of fungal virulence with a focus on the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. This environmental mould is able to cause a variety of infectious diseases, such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). In close collaboration with the Department of Infection Biology headed by Prof. David Vöhringer, we have investigated the role of eosinophilic granulocytes in the course of ABPA as well as fungal determinants of pathology. For this purpose, timely research approaches and methodologies of immunology, microbiology, and molecular infection biology are followed. Relevant publications - Dietschmann et al. (2022) Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) orchestrates Aspergillus fumigatus -induced eosinophil activation independently of canonical Toll-like receptor (TLR)/C-type-lectin receptor (CLR) signaling. mBio *13* : e0123922. - Adam et al. (2025) Signaling events driving Aspergillus fumigatus -induced eosinophil activation. Int J Med Microbiol *318* : 151641. - Graf et al. (2026) IL-33 expressing cDC2s promote expansion of ILC2s and eosinophilia in fungal airway inflammation in male mice. bioRxiv , doi: 10.64898/2025.12.02.691763. Your tasks: This DFG-funded tandem project wants to shed light on the crosstalk between Aspergillus fumigatus and eosinophilic granulocytes in the context of allergic lung inflammation by fulfilling the following tasks: - Characterising transcription factors that shape the fungal transcriptome upon interaction with eosinophils - Investigating the relevance of extracellular proteolysis in this scenario Experimental approaches and readouts include - Flow cytometry - Quantification of cytokine levels by ELISA etc. - RNAseq analyses - Generation of recombinant fungal strains - Genotyping and phenotyping of A. fumigatus mutants Essential experience/qualifications: - Intrinsic curiosity for fundamental insights in fungal immunity - Strong motivation to conduct research as a team player - Competences in relevant experimental approaches - Urge to accomplish research tasks in an autonomous and interdisciplinary manner - Routine in cell culture techniques - Sound immunological knowledge Additionally beneficial are: - Hands-on experience with methodologies of fungal research - Competences in working with filamentous fungi Comments: - Applications must comprise the ususal documents such as a convincing statement of motivation, scientific CV with competences, referencing letters, copies of transcript records, and certificates (high school diploma, Bachelor and Master study results). We offer: - Position will be paid according to the German salary scale (TV-L) - Attractive PhD thesis project in highly relevant research area at the intersection of Mycology and Immunology - Stimulating research environment at the Microbiological Institute - Membership in the structured educational PhD program of the Life@FAU Graduate School - Option to become associated to the DFG-funded ImmunoMicroTope Research Training Group 2740 - Thorough and qualified introduction to the research project and supportive working group - Fixed-term contract for up to 36 months Further information: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Sven Krappmann Molecular Mycology Group leader +49 (0)9131 85 – 32580 Applications: Universitätsklinikum Erlangen Mikrobiologisches Institut – Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Sven Krappmann Wasserturmstr. 3/5 91054 Erlangen