PhD student position (m/f/d) – Targeting nucleic acid-sensing pathways in ARDS 52_2023

The Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn invites applications for a

PhD student position (m/f/d) – Targeting nucleic acid-sensing pathways in ARDS

The part-time position (65%) is available for an initial period of three years due to a project, with the possibility of extension.

The research focus of our group addresses clinically relevant questions in the field of critical care medicine by bench-to-bedside-and-back approaches. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to fill a PhD position to study fundamental aspects of the nucleic acid-mediated immunopathogenesis of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a common cause of acute lung failure in critical ill patients. The detection of pathogens through nucleic acid sensors is a defining principle of innate immunity. Moreover, the release of nucleic acid by dying or damaged host cells as alarmins also engage an immune response that has emerged as an important mechanism fuelling the development of deleterious inflammation. The project aims to understand how the release of nucleic acids by the host shapes the immune response in ARDS and will help to clarify how a modulation of the immune system might improve the outcome in ARDS (Karagiannis et al. Nature 2022, Peukert et al. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2021).

The candidate will work with mouse models and clinical human samples and apply classical immunological methods such as multicolor flow cytometry but also cutting-edge molecular biology technologies including next generation sequencing and metabolomics. Candidates with experience in immunology, molecular or cell biology and translational biomedicine are especially encouraged to apply.

We offer:

• Working in emerging research field
• A thrilling field of translational medicine
• A motivated interdisciplinary team
• Access to various research facilities on the campus
• An attractive training program
• The salary according to the German salary scale TV-L (EG 13)
• A “Jobticket” (subsidized public transport)
• Possibility to use the day care center
• Attractive conditions and benefits, an international research institution that fosters innovation and collaboration and are committed to training and career development of the next generation of scientists

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.

Applications should include names and addresses of three referees and be send preferably by e-mail under indication of reference number until 28.02.2023 to Dr. Christian Bode (Christian.Bode@ukbonn.de).

Priv.-Doz. Dr. Christian Bode

Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine

University Hospital Bonn

Venusberg-Campus 1, Bonn 53127, Germany

Tel.: +49 (0) 228 287 14110

e-mail: Christian.Bode@ukbonn.de