Introduction
The University Hospital Bonn (UKB) is one of Germany’s leading university hospitals, combining top-level performance in medicine and research with excellence in teaching. Each year, more than half a million patients receive inpatient and outpatient care at the UKB. Around 3,500 students study medicine and dentistry here, and over 600 people are trained annually in healthcare professions. With approximately 9,900 employees, the UKB is the third-largest employer in the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg region. In the Focus hospital ranking, the UKB ranks first among university hospitals in North Rhine-Westphalia and second nationwide in terms of case mix index (case severity). In 2024, the UKB raised nearly €100 million in third-party funding for research, development, and teaching. The F.A.Z. Institute has named the UKB “Germany’s Training Champion” and “Germany’s Most Attractive Employer” for the fourth consecutive year.
The Beate Kümmerer lab (arboviruses) at the Institute of Virology, in collaboration with the Florian I. Schmidt lab (nanobodies and innate immunity) at the Institute of Innate Immunity, both at the University Hospital Bonn (Germany), is looking for a highly motivated
PhD student (m/f/d)
for an exciting project focusing on nanobodies against orthoflaviviruses to be filled at the earliest possible date. The 3-year part-time position (65%) is within the framework of the TTU Emerging Infections program of the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF).
Tasks
The aim of the project is to generate nanobodies as a potential therapeutic against orthoflaviviruses, preferentially against viruses circulating in Germany like e.g. WNV but also against other orthoflaviviruses causing epidemics worldwide. To be able to also target orthoflaviviral induced encephalitis, we particularly aim to deliver nanobodies to the brain comparing several strategies. The functionality of the nanobodies shall be evaluated in neutralization assays and blood brain barrier models such as transwell assays.
Profile
- Master degree in life sciences
- Enthusiasm for research in a collaborative environment
- Commitment to the research project
- Profound knowledge in basic molecular biological methods and cell culture
- Experience in virology and/or nanobody biochemistry would be ideal
- Eligibility, willingness and physical fitness to work in a biosafety level (BSL) 3 laboratory
- Motivation to learn new methods
- Fluent oral and written English
We offer
- A 3-year PhD position (65% TV-L E13) with strong mentoring and integration into a high-profile research network (DZIF)
- An interdisciplinary research environment at one of Germany’s top universities
- A highly collaborative research team
- Access to further education in university and non-university courses
- Integration into the Bonn International Graduate School (BIGS) Immunosciences and Infection
- Responsible and diverse: A position with plenty of room for creativity and responsibility within a supportive and collegial team
- Fair compensation: Pay according to the TV-L collective agreement, including annual bonus and company pension scheme
- Family-friendly flexibility: Flexible working time models, access to a place in our company daycare center, and programs supporting employees returning from parental leave
- Smart commuting: Excellent connection to the SWB public transport network and the option of an interest-free loan for the purchase of an e-bike
- Supported development: Individual training opportunities through courses, e-learning programs, and coaching sessions
- Structured onboarding: A systematic introduction to your new role and team
- Healthy at work: A wide range of health and wellness programs, plus free membership at the UKB fitness studio
- Employee benefits: Access to discounted offers for employees (corporate benefits)
We are committed to diversity and equal opportunities. Our goal is to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented and to particularly promote their careers. We therefore urge relevantly qualified women to apply. Applications are treated in accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act. Applications from suitable people with proven severe disabilities and those of equal status are particularly welcome.
Further information
Full applications should include a motivation letter, a CV, list of publications (if applicable), and contact information for two referees, compiled into a single pdf file.
Please send your application by email, with the subject "PhD Application - nanoflavi" to:
PD Dr. Beate Kümmerer
Institute of Virology
University Hospital Bonn
Venusberg-Campus-1
53127 Bonn
email
www.ukbonn.de
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