Postdoc position: mechanisms of autoimmunity and autoinflammation in inborn errors of immunity (m/f/d)

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

Postdoc position: mechanisms of autoimmunity and autoinflammation in inborn errors of immunity (m/f/d)

(full-time position 100 % limited for four 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 mechanisms 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 experienced and motivated candidates for a Postdoctoral fellow position to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying autoimmunity and autoinflammation. In earlier work from our lab, we have identified previously unknown inborn errors of immunity to decipher key regulators of human immune homeostasis (Ardy RC et al., Gastroenterology 2018; Wang L et al., Nat Genet 2021; Salzer E et al., Science Immunol 2020; Block et al., New Engl J Med 2023).
For this project, we have already identified novel disease-causing monogenic variants in autoimmunity and autoinflammatory diseases such as childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This project will integrate biochemical, immunological, and imaging techniques, along with co-culture of patient-derived organoids and model organisms combined with various -omics approaches, to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions, and to derive potential targeted treatment options (precision medicine).

What we offer

• A dynamic, international and interdisciplinary working environment with a strong focus on immunology
• Close collaboration with leading scientists in the field of pediatric immunology and rare immune disorders
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the research community
• Member of the Excellence Cluster of ImmunoSensation2 with an interdisciplinary network of excellent scientists
• Excellent core facilities to support your research across the campus
• Salary according to the German salary scale TV-L 13 (100% including additional benefits) initially limited to 4 years with the prospect of extension
• 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)

Requirements

• PhD degree in life sciences (biology, biomedicine, immunology or comparable studies)
• Scientific background in immunology, molecular and cell biology, and bioinformatics
• Practical experience in immunology, molecular and cell biology, hematology and genetics, and imaging techniques
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Strong English skills with excellent writing and presentation abilities
• Enthusiastic and collaborative work attitude