‘Forschungsgesellschaft für Arbeitsphysiologie und Arbeitsschutz e.V. Dortmund’ (legal entity name) is a research institution institutionally funded by the German Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is the sponsor of ’Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors in Dortmund’ (IfADo). IfADo explores the risks and potentials of modern work in interdisciplinary approaches. We combine the disciplines of Ergonomics, Immunology, Toxicology, Psychology and Neurosciences.
In the Department of Immunology at the Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo) we offer
a PhD Position on the Gut-Brain-Axis working with human cohorts (f/m/d)
(65 %)
The position is available immediately and limited to a period of 3 years.
Your task:
The applicant will be part of a research project in the Department of Immunology (Dr. Bloemendaal) investigating the role of the gut microbiota in the gut-immune-brain-axis, specifically focusing on mental health, major depressive disorder and treatment response.
Your Qualifications:
- Master´s degree in one of the following subjects: psychology, medicine, microbiology, biomedical science or related fields
- Native speaker or excellent command of German and English
- Experience in programming (in R) or motivation to learn and perform bioinformatic analyses of bacterial DNA (16S rRNA and shotgun metagenomic data) in relation to health outcomes
- Ability to liaise between disciplines, bridging between medical infrastructure and clinical as well as basic research
- Experience or interest in data analysis of patient cohorts and/or wet lab microbiology techniques (e.g. batch fermentation or in vitro culturing) are considered a plus
- The applicant should be able to work independently, translate research findings into scientific papers and present data at international conferences
We offer:
- A part-time position with currently 25,89 hours per week
- Remuneration according to the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (position value EG 13 TV-L. The classification depends on the collective agreement and personal requirements)
- All social benefits provided by working for the public service: e.g. an annual bonus, payment of benefits
- Flexible working time models for the compatibility of family and career
- An exciting project designed to identify targetable microbes in the context of the gut-brain-axis. You will work on the forefront of interdisciplinary research, contributing to the development of interventions and co-treatments aimed at supporting mental health and improved treatment outcomes (supervision: Dr. Bloemendaal). You will be part of a unique team of interdisciplinary researchers, with access to an international network in fields of psycho-neuro-immunology and the gut-brain-axis. The Department of Immunology has modern laboratory and office space as well as material resources at its disposal.
- You will have access to existing human cohorts as well as designing and setting-up your own clinical cohort.
- Professional development based on your interest is possible, in the form of courses and training on-the-job.
- An interesting, versatile position that can be shaped by your personal commitment and interest.
IfADo is committed to diversity. We benefit from the different expertise, perspectives and personalities of our employees and welcome applications from qualified candidates regardless of age, gender or gender identity, ethnic or cultural origin, religion and worldview, sexual orientation and identity, or disability.
Applicants with severe disabilities will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified. We actively support the compatibility of work and family life and attach great importance to an equal and inclusive culture of cooperation.
General information about the IfADo can be found at www.ifado.de
If you have any questions, please contact us: Dr. Mirjam Bloemendaal, E-Mail: bloemendaal@ifado.de
Interested?
Then please send your application documents (CV, letter of motivation, copy of graduation certificates (university, school), (all in one single pdf!) including the reference code “FB Immu 01/25”until the 16.12.2025 preferably by mail to bewerbung@ifado.de.
Dortmund, 17th of November 2025
(*We ask you to submit application documents only in copies and not in folders as the documents are not returned. These will be destroyed by privacy after expiration of the retention period.)