University of Erlangen-Nuremberg PhD Position in Infection Immunology 2025

The laboratory "Balancing innate immunity“ (Prof. Dr. med. Roland Lang) at the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene of the University Hospital Erlangen offers a PhD position to investigate the function of the immunometabolite itaconate in macrophage anti-microbial activity.

Your tasks:

• The present DFG-funded project addresses the mechanisms underlying the protective effect of the ACOD1-itaconate pathway in C. burnetii infection. We aim to dissect the molecular basis of regulated uptake and intracellular transport of itaconate in infected macrophages and will address how itaconate alters anti-microbial capacities of macrophages.
• The methods employed to investigate the mechanisms will comprise in vitro infection experiments and sgRNA-based analysis of itaconate production and transport, as well as infection experiments in conditional knockout mice with cell type-specific gene deletions in the ACOD1-itaconate pathway.
• Readout systems will include multi-color flow cytometry, ELISA and multiplex cytokine analyses, protein modification and RNAseq analyses.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineOctober 24, 2025
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorFriedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
• City to studyBavaria
• School to studyFriedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Position will be paid according to the German salary guidelines (TV-L)
• Attractive PhD thesis topic in highly relevant infection and immunity research area
• Stimulating research environment at the Microbiological Institute and the iMED campus
• Membership in the structured educational PhD program of Life@FAU graduate school
• Thorough and qualified introduction into project and supportive working group
• Fixed-term contract for up to 36 months

Requirements

• Highly motivated candidates holding a Master degree in the Life Sciences with a strong background in immunology, molecular biology and infection biology.
• Practical experience in cell culture, flow cytometry and mouse models is advantageous.

Application Documents

• Informative letter of motivation and CV,
• 2-3 letters of recommendation, and
• Copies of transcript of records, certificates (high school diploma, bachelor and master studies)

Application Deadline

October 24, 2025

How To Apply

Are you qualified and interested in this opportunity? Kindly go to Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg on recruitingapp-5531.de.umantis.com to apply

For more infomation, kindly visit University of Erlangen-Nuremberg scholarship webpage.