Job opportunities

at the Department of Nephrology, Medical Clinic 1, University Hospital Bonn, Germany

Research topic
Urinary tract infections are common and frequently affect the kidneys. As part of the BARICADE Consortium, a newly established DFG-funded initiative addressing pyelonephritis, we explore protective host response. The kidney excretes metabolic waste and regulates, blood pressure, the electrolyte and water balance of the body. Specifically, the planned projects will address how renal electrolytes and metabolism affects how myeloid cells are recruited to and respond to the ascending pathogens in the urinary tract.

Methods will include work with primary cells, human cells kidney samples as well as murine models of kidney disease. We employ state of the art techniques including multimodal assessment of immune cells and kidney damage by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy and gene expression analysis.

Our lab (https://nephrologie-ukbonn.de/forschungslabor) at University Clinic Bonn, is part of the BARICADE consortium and situated within the excellence cluster Immunosensation2 (https://www.immunosensation.de/about_us/members/detail/von-vietinghoff.html) at University of Bonn, thus offers multiple interaction and training opportunities for PhD students, both in immunology and general professional development. University Hospital Bonn is a maximum care facility with 1.300 beds. Our current staff of more than 8.000 performs research, teaching and medical treatment, including the use of advanced medical technologies, and public health care services at the highest possible level. The nephrology research laboratory, focuses on inflammation in kidney disease.

Recent related publication
Goldspink A*, Schmitz J*, Babyak O, Brauns N, Milleck J, Breloh AM, Fleig SV, Jobin K, Schwarz L, Haller H, Wagenlehner F, Bräsen JH, Kurts C, von Vietinghoff S. Kidney medullary sodium chloride concentrations induce neutrophil and monocyte extracellular DNA traps that defend against pyelonephritis in vivo. Kidney Int. 2023 Apr 23:S0085-2538(23)00265-X. doi: 10.1016/j.kint.2023.03.034. PMID: 37098380 https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1h2da_1y3uOZ9f

Your profile
You are highly motivated to investigate clinical questions with state of the art experimental methodology. To this end, you work responsibly in interaction of clinicians and basic scientists. You hold Master’s Degree/Diploma in biology, biochemistry, pharmacy, or a related field of the life sciences. Animal work is a central part of the project, a completed FELASA certification is preferred but not required at start. Previous experience with immunologic techniques such as confocal microscopy and flow cytometry is very welcome.

We offer:

• Initial contract for 3 years with possible extension
• Salary: TVL E13 (65%)
• A “Jobticket” (subsidized public transport) is available
• There is also a possibility to use the day care center
• Supplementary benefits in the public sector (pension plan according to VBL)

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.

Questions concerning the position can be addressed to Prof. Dr. Sibylle von Vietinghoff.
Please send your application as a single PDF file to:

Prof. Dr. Sibylle von Vietinghoff
Division of Nephrology
University Hospital Bonn
Venusberg-Campus 1
53127 Bonn
Email: Sibylle.von_Vietinghoff@ukbonn.de