We are always looking for talented and motivated scientists. Please send a short description of why you are interested in joining our team, a CV, and if possible the contact details of 2-3 references to one of our group leaders directly or reach out to the administrative team.
Postdoctoral position AG Abdullah: “The role of obesity in reprogramming memory T cell responses”
Postdoctoral position in Immunology (TVL13/100%)
Project: “The role of obesity in reprogramming memory T cell responses”
Institute: Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology (IMMEI), Medical Faculty, University Hospital Bonn
Principle Investigator: Prof. Dr. Zeinab Abdullah
Project description:
Obesity significantly impairs immune function and increases susceptibility to severe infections and re-infections. Using mouse models of diet-induced obesity and viral infection, we observed a profound loss of virus-specific memory CD8 T cells within hepatic tissue-resident pools, leading to a reduction in protective immunity. Our findings demonstrate that chronic exposure to an obese, inflammatory environment drives transcriptional reprogramming associated with impaired T cell responses. The next phase of this project will extend upon these findings, with an aim to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying obesity-induced CD8 T cell dysfunction. Gaining deeper insights into these pathways will improve our understanding of how obesity shapes immune memory, unveiling potential avenues to improve protective immunity in affected individuals.
Research Environment:
IMMEI, located at the Medical Faculty Campus of the University Hospital Bonn, provides an exceptional environment for cutting-edge research. Our state-of-the-art facilities offer a platform for collaboration and innovation. The working group is led by Prof. Dr. Zeinab Abdullah (https://www.immei.de/research/zeinab-abdullah-laboratory), who has substantial experience and expertise in the field. Her position within the local and global scientific community and her expertise provides a valuable opportunity to make significant contributions to the scientific literature. The project will be carried out within the framework and context of the Immunosensation Cluster of Excellence
(https://dev.bestviews.de/tour/uni-klinik-bonn/progress/4.0/#popup_3140).
Responsibilities:
Required Qualifications:
Desired Qualifications (not mandatory but preferred):
We Offer:
How to Apply:
Submit a single PDF labelled “Memory_Tcell_Postdoc_Application_[YourLastName]” containing:
Email this document to Prof. Zeinab Abdullah (zabdul(ad)uni-bonn.de) with the subject “Memory T cell Postdoc Application [YourLastName]”
Deadline: 30th of October 2025
Start date: Negotiable, preference for earliest availability.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews approximately 2–4 weeks after application deadline. Interviews are expected to take place in late November to early December 2025. Envisioned start date around January 2026.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity:
The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity irrespective of gender, ethnicity, age, nationality, religion, disability, etc. As such, applications will be assessed in accordance with the Landesgleichstellungsgesetz (State Equality Act).
PhD position AG Rollenske: "B cell / Mucosal Immunology and microbiota research"
PhD position – B cell / Mucosal Immunology and microbiota research
A PhD position is immediately available to study microbiota - B cell crosstalk. The Rollenske lab uses single B cell receptor sequencing and repertoire analysis, monoclonal antibody production, antibody binding assays, germ-free and gnotobiotic mouse models and human samples, bacterial transcriptomics, and single cell host transcriptomic analysis to obtain a detailed mechanistic understanding of the induction of intestinal antibody responses and the effects of Immunoglobulin A on the bacterial target cell.
We offer:
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 Immunosensation3 cluster of excellence in Germany (www.immunosensation.com). The Department of Mucosal Immunology was recently founded within the Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology (https://www.immei.de/research/tim-rollenske-laboratory).
Your profile:
Successful candidates can think independently, are eager to acquire necessary new skills, and are excellent collaborators and communicators.
To apply:
Application documents include a motivation letter, detailed CV (including the names of former mentors and supervisors), publication list (if applicable), relevant transcripts, at least one recommendation letter and contact information of at least two references.
To apply, please send all the required documents in a single .pdf document by e-mail (Subject: PhD application [Name]) to tim.rollenske(at)uni-bonn.de
Application deadline is the 16th November 2025. Starting date is negotiable.
We are strongly committed to promote equal opportunities. Therefore, applications will be handled in accordance with the State Equality Act.
Additional information:
Institute homepage: www.immei.de
Immunology in Bonn: www.immunosensation.com
PhD position AG Abdullah: “Characterisation of hepatic NK-like T cells”
PhD position in Immunology (TVL13/65%)
Project: “Characterisation of hepatic NK-like T cells”
Institute: Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology (IMMEI) at the Medical Faculty Campus, University Hospital Bonn
Principle Investigator: Prof. Dr. Zeinab Abdullah
Project description:
Hepatic NK-like T cells represent a diverse and enigmatic subset within the liver immune milieu. Despite their potential significance in immune regulation and therapeutic intervention, much about their biology remains elusive. Recent research conducted by our collaborative team has identified a novel population of NK-like T cells termed NLCs in both mice and humans. During viral infection or immune activation, NLCs exhibit multifaceted functional profiles, including T helper-like, cytotoxic, and innate lymphocyte functions. In this project, we will investigate their development and the underlying mechanisms of their effector functions.
Research Environment:
IMMEI, located at the Medical Faculty Campus of Bonn University Clinic, provides an exceptional environment for cutting-edge research. Our state-of-the-art facilities offer a platform for collaboration and innovation. The working group is led by Prof. Dr. Zeinab Abdullah (https://www.immei.de/research/zeinab-abdullah-laboratory), who has substantial experience and expertise in the field. Her position within the local and global scientific community and her expertise provides a valuable opportunity to make significant contributions to the scientific literature. The project will be co-supervised by Dr. Dillon Corvino a senior post-doctoral researcher, with expertise in in vitro and in vivo techniques and bioinformatics analysis. The project will be carried out within the framework and context of the Immunosensation Cluster of Excellence (https://dev.bestviews.de/tour/uni-klinik-bonn/progress/4.0/#popup_3140).
Responsibilities:
Required Qualifications:
Desired Qualifications (not mandatory but preferred):
We Offer:
How to Apply:
Submit a single PDF labelled “NKL_PhD_Application_[YourLastName]” containing:
Email this document to Dr. Dillon Corvino (dcorvino(ad)uni-bonn.de) with the subject “NKL PhD Application [YourLastName]”
Deadline: 30th of October 2025
Start date: Negotiable, preference for earliest availability.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews approximately 2–4 weeks after application deadline. Interviews are expected to take place in late November to early December 2025. Envisioned start date around January 2026.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity:
The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity irrespective of gender, ethnicity, age, nationality, religion, disability, etc. As such, applications will be assessed in accordance with the Landesgleichstellungsgesetz (State Equality Act).
PhD position AG Abdullah: “Dissecting the role of STING signalling in anti-viral T cell responses”
PhD position in Immunology (TVL13/65%)
Project: “Dissecting the role of STING signalling in anti-viral T cell responses”
Institute: Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology (IMMEI) at the Medical Faculty Campus, University Hospital Bonn
Principle Investigator: Prof. Dr. Zeinab Abdullah
Project description:
The project focuses on investigating the molecular crosstalk between nucleic acid sensors in T cells and TCR downstream signalling. Our research aims to identify the roles of the DNA sensor STING in the differentiation and function of CD8 T cells during viral infections. Utilising both experimental mouse models and human patient cohorts, we will investigate disease mechanisms, identify biomarkers, and explore potential therapeutic targets.
Research Environment:
IMMEI, located at the Medical Faculty Campus of Bonn University Clinic, provides an exceptional environment for cutting-edge research. Our state-of-the-art facilities offer a platform for collaboration and innovation. The working group is led by Prof. Dr. Zeinab Abdullah (https://www.immei.de/research/zeinab-abdullah-laboratory), who has substantial experience and expertise in the field. Her position within the local and global scientific community and her expertise provides a valuable opportunity to make significant contributions to the scientific literature. The project will be co-supervised by Dr. Dillon Corvino a senior post-doctoral researcher, with expertise in in vitro and in vivo techniques and bioinformatics analysis. The project is funded through the collaborative research center TRR 237 program (https://www.trr237.uni-muenchen.de/projects/b15/index.html).
Responsibilities:
Required Qualifications:
Desired Qualifications (not mandatory but preferred):
We Offer:
How to Apply:
Submit a single PDF labelled “TCR_STING_PhD_Application_[YourLastName]” containing:
Email this document to Dr. Dillon Corvino (dcorvino(ad)uni-bonn.de) with the subject “TCR-STING PhD Application [YourLastName]”
Deadline: 30th of October 2025
Start date: Negotiable, preference for earliest availability.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews approximately 2–4 weeks after application deadline. Interviews are expected to take place in late November to early December 2025. Envisioned start date around January 2026.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity:
The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity irrespective of gender, ethnicity, age, nationality, religion, disability, etc. As such, applications will be assessed in accordance with the Landesgleichstellungsgesetz (State Equality Act).
