PhD student (f/m/x) in Translational Viral Immunology

Uniklinik Köln; Köln; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading university hospital seeks a PhD student in Translational Viral Immunology. This position involves planning and executing a PhD project related to HIV-1, emphasizing independent research and collaboration in an interdisciplinary team. Applicants should have a strong academic background in life sciences and excellent communication skills. The role offers opportunities for professional development in a competitive environment with access to state-of-the-art technology and facilities.

Leistungen

Access to state-of-the-art research facilities

Support for professional development

Flexible working hours

Qualifikationen

• Excellent Master's or Diploma degree in life sciences, medicine, or related field.
• Solid knowledge of immunology, virology, and molecular biology.
• Strong motivation and independence in research.

Aufgaben

• Independently plan and execute a translational PhD project.
• Analyze HIV-1 envelope sequences and antibody sensitivity.
• Present results at conferences and prepare manuscripts.

Kenntnisse

Strong scientific motivation

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work in a collaborative team

Knowledge of immunology

Ausbildung

Master's or Diploma degree in life sciences or related field

Tools

PCR

Flow cytometry

Cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

Jobbeschreibung

PhD student (f/m/x) in Translational Viral Immunology

Division of Infectious Diseases, Department I of Internal Medicine

TV-L: 25 h/week (64,94%) Fixed-term contract for three years pursuant to the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG) (third-party funded project). Your salary will be based on TV-L.

Your tasks

You will independently plan and execute a translational PhD project with direct clinical relevance. Your responsibilities include:

• Detection, analysis, and functional characterization of HIV-1 envelope sequences
• In vitro and in vivo testing of HIV-1 antibody sensitivity
• Analysis of HIV-1 sequence diversity and viral antibody resistance mechanisms
• Assessment of the impact of resistance-associated mutations on viral fitness
• Establishment and performance of immunological and virological assays, including:
  • Primary cell work and cell culture
  • Virus cultures
  • PCR, cloning, and molecular biology techniques
  • Flow cytometry, ELISA, immunohistochemistry
• Analysis of large viral sequence and phenotypic datasets
• Presentation of results at internal meetings and national and international conferences
• Preparation of manuscripts with the goal of publishing in high-impact international journals

Division of Infectious Diseases – Department I of Internal Medicine

Your profile

You are an enthusiastic early-career scientist with a strong academic background and curiosity-driven mindset:

• Excellent Master’s or Diploma degree in life sciences, medicine, or a related field
• Solid knowledge of immunology, virology, molecular biology, or related disciplines
• Strong scientific motivation and independence
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team
• Excellent English skills (spoken and written); German is desirable but not required

Please submit your application including:

• Detailed CV
• List of publications (if applicable)
• Contact details of two references
• Brief description of your research interests

Our offer

• We offer a highly clinically relevant translational research project in a young research group and a stimulating and internationally highly competitive environment
• Freedom and the support to design, implement, and direct own research projects and strong promotion of professional development
• Full access to state-of-the-art technology platforms and facilities to carry out cutting edge translational research
• A constantly growing group of highly motivated researchers
• A wide range of advanced techniques in the field of molecular and cellular biology, virology, infectious diseases, and immunology
• Flexible working time models to support family life

Your future with us

We are one of the leading university hospitals in Germany and network research, teaching and health care at the highest level. That’s why many things are a lot bigger for us: the spectrum of exciting development opportunities. The limitless openness with which specialists from all over the world work together here. Our commitment as an employer to support all employees as best we can in reconciling their job with their goals and life situations.

This is the University Hospital of Cologne: Everything but ordinary.

Your future in detail

The translational research group is led by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Dr. Philipp Schommers, MD/PhD and is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) through the Emmy Noether Programme. The group is located on the central campus of the University Hospital Cologne.

Our research aims to develop novel experimental and computational approaches to detect and understand antibody resistance in HIV-1–infected individuals. This work will contribute to improved prediction of HIV-1 antibody sensitivity and inform future strategies for HIV treatment and prevention. The successful candidate will work in a highly innovative, interdisciplinary, and international environment, with the opportunity to drive collaborations with leading national and international partners.

For more information, please visit:

Applications from female candidates are expressly welcome and will be given priority in the event of equal suitability, competence and professional performance. People with disabilities are welcome to apply and will be treated preferentially in the event of equal suitability and qualification.

Contact

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Dr. Philipp Schommers
Tel: [phone]

Universitätsklinikum Köln AöR
Geschäftsbereich Personal
Kerpener Str. 62
50937 Köln

Application deadline: 8 March 2026

Job-ID: th3ql2f6

We look forward to receiving your application and getting to know you!