A job opening is available in the Research Group 2 "FOGR 2" at the next possible starting date
Doctoral Student (m/f/d)
About the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut
We are a federal scientific institution that is responsible for the testing and authorization of vaccines and biomedicines and conducts research in the field of life sciences. We work closely with a network of national and international stakeholders, which makes us a competent partner in the areas of public service, science, medicine, politics and business.
About the subject of the research group 2
The hepatitis delta virus (HDV), which belongs to the satellite virus group, can only multiply in hepatitis B virus (HBV)‑positive cells by using the surface proteins of HBV to build up its virus envelope. In terms of the clinical picture, chronic HDV infection is the most aggressive form of viral hepatitis, with a significantly higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma compared to other viral hepatitis. According to estimates by the World Health Organization, around 12 to 72 million people worldwide are currently chronically infected with HDV.
Your key responsibilities
- Characterization of the life cycle of HDV with regard to the viral morphogenesis of the viral particles and the release pathways of the virus from the infected cell
- The aim is to identify cellular structures for potential antiviral therapeutic approaches
- Applied methods
- Classical virological methods (genome quantification, ELISA, determination of the number of viral particles)
- Cell biological methods (confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, super resolution microscopy, electron microscopy, isolation/characterization of cell organelles)
- Biochemical (kinome analyses, modeling) and molecular biological methods (rtPCR for expression analysis, modulation of expression using siRNA)
Our essential criteria for applying
- Completed studies (Master's or comparable) in the field of life sciences, such as biochemistry, biology or molecular medicine
- Strong communication skills, ability to work under pressure and in a team as well as analytical thinking skills
- Very good written and spoken English skills
- Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary work in a motivated team
Our offer
A stable, multifaceted, and challenging position centrally located in the Rhine‑Main area (Frankfurt) with good public transport connections (motorways/highways, airport, and fast commuter train). Being an employer in the German public service, we offer the usual social benefits such as annual payment supplements, employer’s pension scheme, and special contributions to a particular statutory savings scheme (Vermögenswirksame Leistungen).
The successful candidate will be employed on an initial 3‑year fixed term contract. The payband is (50%) E 13 TVöD (Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst, Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Public Service). The assignment to a payband is made based on the consideration of your individual professional experience. Disabled candidates will be given preference if their skills and qualifications are equivalent to those of non‑disabled candidates. The Paul-Ehrlich-Institut encourages gender equality and work‑life balance, especially in respect to the family. For this purpose, we have various employment models to offer including flexible working hours (different forms of part‑time work, flexible working from home, teleworking, no core time), child care facilities, internal and external communication platforms, and various opportunities for further professional training. Our occupational health management policies and Jobticket (subsidized commuter ticket) round off the offer. For more information, please visit our website.
Please send your application containing your job related education, experience and skills to our job application portal indicating JobID 1333.
Apply now!
For questions related to the job profile please contact Mr. Prof. Dr. Eberhard Hildt (email: [email protected]).
For questions related to the job application procedure, please contact Ms. Julia Kern (email: [email protected], phone: +49 6103 77‑1133) indicating Job ID 1333.
We look forward to your job application.
We would like to inform you that the Federal Ministry of Health can view your application documents in individual cases within the scope of its supervisory powers (Article 6 no. 1 [c] of the GDPR in conjunction with section 3 subsection 1 of the Joint Rules of Procedure of the Federal Ministries and Article 65 of the Basic Law) in order to ensure an expedient selection of personnel that serves the interests of all parties. Your data will be deleted immediately after completion of the application process.
