The group of Prof. Dr. med. Kaan Boztug at the Clinic of Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology (Centre of Pediatric, University Hospital Bonn) offers a

PhD position in immunobiology of selected inborn errors of immunity (m/f/d)

(part-time position 65% limited due the promotion for three years)

Prof. Kaan Boztug is the newly recruited Clinical Director of the Department of Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology at the University Hospital of Bonn and Principal Investigator of an ERC Consolidator grant (iDysChart), integrating basic research into mechanism of the immune dysregulation and clinical translation. The Boztug lab is focusing on the discovery of inborn errors of immunity (IEI) and the dissection of their underlying molecular pathomechanisms. The ultimate aim of our research is to enhance the molecular understanding of these disorders to enable the use of tailored treatment approaches.

We invite highly qualified candidates for a PhD position to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying autoimmunity and autoinflammation in actin-mediated immune defects. In previous work from our lab, we have identified novel immune-mediated actinopathies including HEM1 deficiency or DOCK11 deficiency and investigated the molecular underpinnings of the respective defects (Salzer E et al., Science Immunol 2020; Block et al., New Engl J Med 2023). 

For this project, we will investigate the cellular and molecular defects arising from genetic variants affecting actin-regulatory proteins, including novel disease-causing genes. We will decipher the differential effects of actinopathies on immune cell development and function, and compare the (epi)genetic profiles characteristic of individual genetic defects. These studies will be complemented by modeling disease mechanisms in suitable cell lines and zebrafish model systems.  

What we offer:

• A dynamic, international and interdisciplinary working environment with a strong focus on immunology and genetics
• Close collaboration with leading scientists in the field of pediatric immunology and rheumatology
• Member of the Excellence Cluster of ImmunoSensation² with the possibility to participate in national and international conferences
• Excellent core facilities to support your research across the campus
• Salary according to the German salary scale TV-L 13 (65%) initially limited to 3 years
• Responsible and versatile: a job with a lot of creative freedom in a collegial team
• Flexible for families: flexible working time models, the option of a place in the company day-care center and offers for those returning from parental leave
• Provision for later: company pension scheme
• Clever to work: Possibility of an interest-free loan to buy an e-bike
• Tailor-made education: Subsidized further education and training
• Systematic start: Structured induction
• Healthy at work: Numerous health promotion offers, free membership in UKBfit
• Employer benefits: preferential offers for employees (corporate benefits)

The University of Bonn is a German University of Excellence since 2019. The Medical Faculty is a hub for internationally recognised immunological institutes and part of the Excellence Cluster of Immunosensation² in Germany (www.immunosensation.com).

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in life sciences (biology, biomedicine, immunology or comparable studies)
• Scientific background in immunology, molecular and cell biology, bioinformatics skills are welcome
• Practical experience in molecular and cell biology, Western blot and FACS
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Good English skills in speaking and writing
• Enthusiastic and collaborative work attitude