PhD in the field of Molecular Virology bei Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg

Tasks and responsibilities

The successful applicant will study HEV entry into host cells. To this end, the applicant will combine genetic, biochemical and high content imaging approaches to identify and characterise cellular and viral determinants of cell entry. In particular, the applicant will follow up on the identification of integrins as host co-factors of HEV cell entry (Fu et al. BioRxiv) and investigate their role in the species tropism of zoonotic HEV genotypes. For further information on the project, please contact us.

Relevant publications:

• Fu RM, Engels Z, Weihs JA, Murle J, Klohn M, Todt D, Hu JG, Steinmann E, Boettler T, Lozach PY, Lemon SM, Dao Thi VL (2023) A high-content RNA-based imaging approach reveals integrin beta 1 as a cofactor for cell entry of non-enveloped hepatitis E virus. bioRxiv. doi: 2023.10.27.564362
• Dao Thi VL, Wu X, Belote RL, Andreo U, Takacs CN, Fernandez JP, Vale-Silva LA, Decker CC, Fu RM, Qu B, Uryu K, Molina H, Saeed M, Steinmann E, Urban S, Singarja RR, Schneider WM, Simon SM, and Rice CM. 2020. Stem cell-derived
• Wu X, Dao Thi VL, Huang Y, Billerbeck E, Saha D, Hoffmann HH, Wang Y, Vale Silva LA, Sarbanes S, Sun T, Andrus L, Quirk C, MacDonald MR, Schneider WM, An X, Rosenberg BR, and Rice CM (2018). Intrinsic Immunity Shapes Viral Resistance of Stem Cells. Cell. 172(3):423-438.e25

Profile

We are looking for a candidate who is

• highly motivated, interactive and team-oriented
• well-organized with good time management and multi-tasking skills
• has a background and interest in molecular biology and virology.
• holds a Master’s degree in Biomedical or Molecular Sciences, Biochemistry, Biology or related fields.
• has at least intermediate (B2 level or higher) knowledge of English (written and oral),
• expertise in cell culture, cell imaging and confocal microscopy is advantageous.

What we offer

• A highly interactive, supportive, and collaborative scientific environment
• state-of-the-art facilities available on the Heidelberg University campus (eg. Fully equipped microcopy facility with confocal microscopy, super resolution STED and STORM microscopy, light sheet microscopy, TIRF microscopy etc)
• Opportunities to attend prestigious international scientific conferences
• International working environment with rich networking opportunities
• Flexible working hours
• Target-oriented individual further education and training opportunities
• Targeted training on the job
• Collectively agreed remuneration, attractive company pension scheme (VBL)
• 30 days vacation
• Sustainable travel: job ticket
• Family-friendly working environment: cooperative arrangements for childcare, subsidy for child vacation care, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
• Wide range of health, prevention and sports offers

Contact & Application

Please directly email your single PDF application package (CV, motivation letter, contact details for 3 referees) or any questions to VietLoan.DaoThi@med.uni-heidelberg.de.

Deadline for submission: 31.07.2024