The UKB cares for around 500,000 patients per year, employs around 9,000 staff and has total assets of 1.6 billion euros. In addition to over 3,300 medical and dental students, a further 585 people are trained each year in numerous healthcare professions. The UKB is ranked first among university hospitals (UK) in NRW in the science ranking and in the Focus clinic list and has the third-highest case mix index (case severity) in Germany.

At the Heart Center Bonn – Department of Internal Medicine II of the University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, the following part-time (25,025 h/week) position is available as soon as possible: ****

PhD student (m/f/d) 65% in Cardiovascular Biology

The contract is limited to 3 years due the project.

Our research focuses on chronic, inflammation-driven cardiovascular disorders, particularly calcific aortic valve stenosis: the most prevalent valvular disease in Western countries. By integrating state-of-the-art in vivo models, primary human cell assays, and advanced multi-omics of human patient tissues, this project aims to elucidate how vitamin K metabolism and lipid peroxidation-driven ferroptosis intersect to drive valvular calcification and inflammation.

The project is funded by the Corona Foundation and benefits from the network of the DFG-funded Transregional Collaborative Research Center TRR259 "Aortic Disease,” which unites groups at the Universities of Bonn, Cologne, and Düsseldorf. Through its integrated graduate program, the candidate will have access to specialized workshops, seminars, and mentoring in cardiovascular biology. Close collaboration with the Institute for Experimental Hematology & Transfusion Medicine (IHT Bonn), where the vitamin K cycle enzymes were first characterized, will provide unique expertise in vitamin K cycle biochemistry. Key tasks and responsibilities:

• Conduct in vivo experiments (murine echocardiography, histology, immune profiling)

• Perform advanced in vitro studies with primary human cells and ex vivo analyses using human patient tissue

• Execute high-throughput omics including bulk and single-cell transcriptomics and proteomics

• Conceive and develop new protocols and methods

• Present and discuss research results at relevant national and international conferences

• Contribute to manuscript writing Your Profile:

• Master’s degree (M.Sc.) or equivalent in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or related field

• Hands-on experience in molecular biology, biochemistry and cell culture

• Interest in and/or experience with small animal models

• Strong analytical skills, independent working style, and attention to detail

• Excellent teamwork, oral and written communication skills in English; German proficiency is advantageous, but not necessary **** **** **** **** We provide:

• Responsible and versatile: a job with a lot of creative freedom in a collegial team

• A secure future: remuneration according to TV-L EG13

• Flexible for families: flexible working time models, the option of a place in the company daycare center and offers for those returning from parental leave

• Provision for later: company pension scheme

• Clever to work: option of an interest-free loan to purchase an e-bike

• Tailor-made training: subsidized further and advanced training

• A systematic start: structured induction

• Healthy at work: Numerous health promotion offers

• Employer benefits: Discounted offers for employees We are committed to diversity and equal opportunities. Our aim is to increase the proportion of women in areas in which women are underrepresented and to promote their careers in particular. We therefore strongly encourage relevantly qualified women to apply. Applications will be treated in accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act. We particularly welcome applications from suitable people with proven severe disabilities and persons with equivalent status. Contact:

Do you meet our requirements and are you looking for a varied and challenging job? Do not hesitate and send your detailed application (preferably by e-mail in a file up to 5 MB in size) until 05.11.2025 quoting the job advertisement no. ST-32068 to: Dr. Muntadher Al Zaidi and

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Zimmer

Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II - Herzzentrum

Universitätsklinikum Bonn

Venusberg-Campus 1

53127 Bonn

**E-Mail: Muntadher.Al_Zaidi@ukbonn.de (https://mailto:Muntadher.Al_Zaidi@ukbonn.de)

and Sebastian.Zimmer@ukbonn.de www.ukbonn.de

Bereitgestellt in Kooperation mit der Bundesagentur für Arbeit.