Ph.D. student (m/f/d) in the field of Virology

As intracellular parasites, viruses depend on the lipid metabolism of the infected host cell at each step of their replication cycle. In particular, viruses with a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome (+ssRNA viruses) induce extensive host membrane rearrangements resulting in the formation of membranous microenvironments in the cytoplasm of infected cells. Inside these microenvironments, viral replication and transcription take place. Indeed, these so-called replicative organelles (ROs) are thought to provide a structural scaffold for viral RNA synthesis machinery and to sequester viral components from host defense mechanisms, suggesting important roles for ROs in viral replication. So far, the formation of coronavirus-induced membranous structures is not well understood, and the specific roles of membrane rearrangements, membrane biogenesis and membrane contact sites remain largely unknown. Exploring these aspects is therefore essential to understanding RO formation from a molecular perspective.

Your task at a glance:

• Design and performance of virological assays using different (recombinant) coronaviruses under BSL-2 and BSL-3 conditions
• Establishing and optimizing assays for the detection, validation, and quantification of membrane contact sites in infected cells, including proteomics, PLA, etc.
• Implementation of various microscopy techniques, including TEM, CLSM, etc.
• Independent analysis of experimental results, preparation of scientific talks and papers, and presentation of the work at scientific congresses

The provision of academic services (including the processing of a research project financed by third party funds on a temporary basis) also serves the purpose of academic qualification.