Group Leader (f/m/x) Immune influence on Brain Health

1557/2027/7

• Bonn
• befristet
• 29.07.2026
• full-time

The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) is a globally leading, internationally oriented research institution dedicated to discovering new approaches for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

We seek an excellent early-career scientist with a strong track record in immunology, neuroimmunology, systems biology. The successful candidate will develop an innovative research program addressing how the immune system influences brain health and protects from degenerative diseases. The research should focus on defining mechanisms of immune/brain interactions regulating brain health using high-resolution, human-centered approaches. This includes integrating genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors with multi-omics data from human biomaterials to identify immune mechanisms protecting the brain from acute, chronic and degenerative damage. These mechanisms could then be linked to the molecular and cellular patho-mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and used to characterize disease trajectories across the lifespan, with the goal of improving brain health. Particular emphasis might be placed on early-life immune system-related events that could influence long-term susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases. The position is embedded within the DFG-funded Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation3 and will strengthen the collaboration between DZNE, the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn. The successful candidate will benefit from a highly interdisciplinary environment with access to cutting-edge systems medicine approaches, including single-cell and spatial omics technologies, large human cohort studies, and advanced computational and AI-based methods.

Proven expertise in high-resolution single-cell and multi-omics profiling of human and murine immune cells is expected, including hands-on experience across the full workflow from experimental design, sample acquisition, experimental execution to scalable computational analysis. The successful candidate should demonstrate a strong track record in integrating large, multi-center and multi-cohort datasets to resolve immune cell states across the immune and the nervous systems. We particularly seek candidates with experience in linking single-cell defined immune states to brain health and neurodegeneration, with the ability to develop or apply advanced computational and machine learning approaches. Collaborations within the Cluster of Excellence ImmunoSensation³ and with local and international partners are expected. A PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant field is required.

• Innovation and internationality:

  A forward-looking infrastructure, modern laboratory and office equipment, software tools and the opportunity for international exchange with your colleagues from 65 nations

• Focus on Development:

  Training programmes tailored to your individual needs and annual HR-development meetings for concrete prospects and potential development

• Health promotion:

  Through our extensive range of company health programmes, in cooperation with Sozialwerk.Bund

• Family-conscious corporate culture:

  Because we know that familie is important, we support you with our family service

• Remuneration and conditions according to TVöD-Bund:

  Including annual special payment, capital-forming benefits and VBL supplementary pension scheme

• Kita cooperation:

  Employees have the opportunity to apply for a place at a daycare through our daycare cooperation program