PhD Student Biology - Virology (m/f/d)- Universitätsklinikum Münster

Universitätsklinikum Münster; Münster; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading medical research institute in Münster is seeking a PhD student to join their Molecular Virology research team. The role involves investigating the molecular mechanisms of small DNA tumor viruses. Candidates should have an MSc or equivalent in Cell Biology or Virology, along with a strong background in the field and good communication skills. This part-time position offers a motivating international working environment with cutting-edge facilities.

Leistungen

International working environment

Cutting-edge research laboratories

Excellent career development opportunities

Exciting projects

Professional development and training

Qualifikationen

• MSc or similar degree in Cell Biology/Virology or similar.
• Strong background in cell biology or virology.
• Good communication skills and proficiency in English.

Aufgaben

• Investigate molecular mechanisms of small DNA tumor viruses.
• Conduct research in a motivating working group.
• Work on host-pathogen interactions.

Kenntnisse

Cell biology

Virology

Communication skills

Interdisciplinary work

Ausbildung

MSc or equivalent in Cell Biology/Virology

Tools

Live cell microscopy

Superresolution microscopy

Computational image analysis

Jobbeschreibung

Doktorand / PhD Student (gn*) Molecular Virology and Cell Biology

Fixed‑term of 3 years | Part‑time 65% (25 h/week) | Salary according to TV‑L E 13 | Institute of Cellular Virology

We are UKM. We have a clear social mission and, with our focus on healthcare, research, and teaching, we bear a unique responsibility.

To meet our high standards every day, we are looking forward to your scientific support – ideally with you on board!

Institute and Research

The Institute of Cellular Virology, headed by Prof. Dr. Mario Schelhaas, is embedded within a vibrant research environment and part of various research networks. Located within the Centre of Molecular Biology of Inflammation, a state‑of‑the‑art research institution, we offer an internationally renowned research and training environment and established strong collaborations within Europe and the USA.

Our research focuses on investigating host‑pathogen interactions with a strong emphasis on cell biological mechanisms. Viruses, as simple, obligatory, intracellular parasites, depend on the host cell for their life cycle. For initial infection and cell entry, viruses hijack cellular processes such as signaling, membrane trafficking, intra‑ and inter‑cellular transport, nuclear import and export, and mitosis. Following viruses, thus, provides a unique opportunity to analyze these cellular mechanisms. Hence, our research on virus‑host interactions of small DNA tumor viruses during cell entry in the Schelhaas laboratory focusses as much on the understanding of the basic cellular biology as it does help to fight viral diseases (for recent insights into our work please refer to Brinkert et al., EMBO Rep., 2025, Bano et al., Sci. Adv., 2024, Feng et al., Nat. Commun. 2024, Rizzato et al., 2024). Using cellular and molecular techniques in combination with super‑resolution microscopy, systems biology approaches, and advanced imaging techniques in live cells, organoids, and organisms, the laboratory continues to identify and elucidate basic mechanisms of tumor virus infections in cells. Moreover, making exciting new strides into uncharted territories, we investigate how cell differentiation, pre‑existing immune conditions, superinfections, aging, etc. affect the infection outcome using model systems that mimic such conditions.

The successful applicant will thus join an exciting research program in a motivating working group to investigate the molecular mechanisms on how small DNA tumor viruses infect cells and how cell niche influences infection and its outcome.

What We Expect

• MSc or similar degree in Cell Biology/Virology or similar
• Strong background in cell biology or virology
• Commitment to research, and motivation for interdisciplinary work
• Good communication skills and proficiency in English

The Following Qualifications Are Considered An Asset

• Strong background in (live cell) microscopy
• Experience with superresolution microscopy, computational image analysis
• Experience in working with complex cell cultures (epithelial models, organoids)
• Existing publication record

What we offer:

• An international and motivating working environment
• Research laboratories with cutting‑edge and state‑of‑the‑art equipment
• Excellent possibilities for career development

Benefits

• Exciting Projects
• Professional Development and Training
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Part of Research Innovation
• Additional Benefits