Ph.D. student (m/f/d) in the field of molecular virology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatit[...]

Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen; Gießen; Vor Ort; EUR 30.000 - 40.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A prestigious research university in Gießen is seeking a part-time Ph.D. student to focus on the field of molecular virology related to hepatitis B and D viruses. The position involves designing virological assays, analyzing viral replication, and optimizing diagnostic methods. Opportunities for academic qualification and involvement in a recognized research project are provided, alongside excellent personal development and training options.

Leistungen

Free local public transport (LandesTicket Hessen)

Access to training seminars and workshops

Company pension scheme

Child allowance

Qualifikationen

• University degree in relevant field required.
• Experience with biochemical and virological working methods.
• Current protective immunity against HBV necessary.

Aufgaben

• Design and perform infection assays in a S3 safety laboratory.
• Clone and produce HBV genomes and relevant cellular factors.
• Investigate HBV binding, uptake, and replication.
• Optimize diagnostic detection methods for HBV/HDV.
• Analyze results and present findings at scientific congresses.

Kenntnisse

Biochemical methods (qPCR, RT-PCR)

Molecular biological methods (Northern Blot, Southern Blot, Western Blot, ELISA)

Virological techniques (infection assays)

Cell culture knowledge

Microscopy techniques

Cloning and expression of viral genes

Teamwork and initiative

Very good English language skills

Ausbildung

University degree in biology, biochemistry, medicine, or veterinary medicine

Jobbeschreibung

Founded in 1607, Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is a research university rich in tradition. Inspired by curiosity about the unknown, we enable around 25,000 students and 5,800 employees to advance science for society. Join us in breaking new ground and writing success stories - your own and those of our university.

Support us as of now in part-time (65 %) as a

Ph.D. student (m/f/d)
in the field of molecular virology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV)

The position is part of the externally funded project " National Reference Centre for Hepatitis B Viruses and Hepatitis D Viruses" and is to be filled on a fixed‑term basis in accordance with § 2 WissZeitVG and § 72 HessHG with the opportunity for own academic qualification at the Department of the Institute of Medical Virology at the Faculty of Medicine. The project is funded by the DFG. The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 TV-H).

As long as the maximum permissible duration of a fixed‑term contract is not exceeded, you will be employed for a period of 3 years.

The project

Infections with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) are significant health problems worldwide. According to WHO estimates, approximately 254 million people live with chronic hepatitis B, with one million people dying each year as a result of the infection. Approximately 12 million people are additionally infected with HDV, which is dependent on HBV for its replication. HDV superinfections are chronic in 70‑90 % of cases and have a significantly higher mortality rate compared to HBV monoinfection.

The National Reference Centre (NRC) for Hepatitis B Viruses and Hepatitis D Viruses at the Institute of Medical Virology at Justus Liebig University Giessen performs a wide range of tasks, including comprehensive advice on all aspects of HBV and HDV infection, the performance of special diagnostics using molecular biological methods, the provision of WHO‑calibrated reference preparations and quality assurance through inter‑laboratory tests. A key challenge is the high genetic variability of both viruses. HBV can be classified into at least nine genotypes, and the viral polymerase's lack of proofreading ability promotes the development of escape mutants that can evade the immune response after HBV vaccination and cannot be detected in commercial tests. Due to its pronounced genetic diversity with eight genotypes, HDV poses particular challenges for diagnosis, which often leads to underreporting of infections. A fundamental element of the project is the analysis of the infectivity and replication of emerging clinically relevant HBV and HDV isolates, as well as their inhibition by innovative antiviral drugs and neutralising antibodies.

Your task at a glance

• Design and performance of virological infection assays in cell culture with different human and animal HBV isolates in a S3** safety laboratory
• Cloning and production of human and animal HBV genomes and relevant cellular factors of their target cells in vitro
• Investigation of binding, uptake and replication of HBV after infection using biochemical, molecular and microscopy techniques, including laser scanning microscopy in vitro to determine the possible zoonotic potential and host range of individual human/animal HBV and HDV isolates and variants
• Optimisation/validation of diagnostic detection methods for detecting HBV/HDV infections
• Independent analysis of own experimental results, preparation of scientific talks and papers, and presentation of the work at scientific congresses

The provision of scientific services (including the processing of a research project financed by third‑party funds for a limited period) also serves to enhance scientific qualifications.

Your qualifications and competences

• University degree in biology, biochemistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, or equivalent
• Very good knowledge of biochemical (qPCR, RT‑PCR), molecular biological (Northern Blot, Southern Blot, Western Blot, ELISA) and virological working methods (infection assays), as well as experience in the safe handling of infectious agents, in particular human or animal pathogenic hepatitis B and D viruses
• Generation, production and purification of recombinant HBV/HDV in cell culture
• Knowledge of cell culture and various microscopy techniques
• Experience in cloning and expression of viral or cellular genes in vitro
• Motivation, ability to work in a team, active participation in cross‑site research and training activities as well as a high degree of initiative and creativity are required
• Very good English language skills and PC skills
• The project involves working in a biosafety level S3** laboratory, for which documented, current protective immunity against HBV (anti‑HBs titer > 100 IU/L) is required

Our offer to you

• Participation in a current virological research project in an established and internationally recognized virological working group
• Free use of local public transport (LandesTicket Hessen)
• More than 100 training seminars, workshops, and e‑learning opportunities per year for personal development, as well as a wide range of health and sports activities
• Remuneration according to TV‑H, company pension scheme, child allowance, and special payments
• Good compatibility of family and career (certificate "audit familiengerechte hochschule")

JLU welcomes qualified applications regardless of biological and social gender, disability, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, age as well as sexual orientation and identity. The JLU aims for a higher proportion of women in accordance with the women's promotion plan. We therefore particularly encourage qualified female candidates to apply. JLU is certified as a family‑friendly university. Applications from disabled people of equal aptitude will be given preference.

You want to break new ground with us?

Apply via our online form by December 9 th , 2025, indicating reference number 555/11. We look forward to receiving your application.