The Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV) is an independent research institution for basic biomedical research. As a foundation under civil law and member of the Leibniz Association, the institute occupies a leading position both nationally and internationally.
The Research Department Virus Genomics, headed by Prof. Adam Grundhoff, investigates chronically infecting DNA viruses with a focus on the role of chromatin control mechanisms during viral latency and virus-induced tumorigenesis. We are particularly interested in fundamental principles that allow DNA viruses to disrupt, evade, or exploit host chromatin pathways (DFG Research Unit DEEP-DV, FOR 5200). The group uses experimental infection systems, an array of high-throughput sequencing methods, and single-molecule live-cell imaging techniques to investigate mechanisms and outcomes of DNA virus infection.
The Department is currently accepting applications for a
PhD Student Position (f/m/x)
Your tasks
- Conduct a research project to investigate chromatin control in 2D and 3D cell culture models (including human organoids) infected with human polyomaviruses, in particular BK-Polyomavirus (BKV) and Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV)
- Identify critical mechanisms of viral persistence and replication and optimize antiviral strategies designed to interrupt these processes
- Present research findings at national and international conferences
Your profile
- Team spirit, scientific curiosity, and eagerness to learn and make fundamental discoveries
- Master’s degree in the life sciences (M.Sc.) or an equivalent qualification
- Very good communication and organizational skills, including English language skills (oral and written)
- Previous experience in virology, molecular biology, or cell biology is welcome
What we offer
- Working as part of a highly motivated team in a state-of-the-art, international research environment with excellent technical facilities
- Structured training within the LIV Graduate School, an interdisciplinary PhD program for all doctoral candidates working at LIV
- Remuneration according to EG 13 TV-AVH (Hamburg Employment Law Association Collective Agreement) (comparable to TVöD - Civil Service Collective Agreement), including company pension scheme
- 30 days of annual vacation
- Further training opportunities, including subsidized English and German courses at the institute
- Health protection offers at the institute (in cooperation with voiio GmbH)
- Flexible, family-friendly working hours
- HVV Deutschlandticket subsidy
- Canteen use subsidy
The position is offered for an initial three-year appointment. We are seeking to fill the position as soon as possible.
The LIV is certified with the TOTAL E-QUALITY distinction and promotes work-life balance and professional equality between employees of all sex and genders. Women/men are therefore particularly encouraged to apply. Severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration if their suitability, qualifications, and professional performance are otherwise equal.
Contact
Your application should include a letter of motivation, CV, short description of previous research experience and technical skills, names and contact details of two or three referees. We look forward to receiving your application in English language until April 3, 2026. Applications received at a later date may be considered until the position is filled.
Would you like to shape the future with us? Then we look forward to receiving your application!
If you have any questions regarding the content of the position, please contact the head of department, Prof. Dr. Adam Grundhoff (adam.grundhoff(at)leibniz-liv.de). Our Human Resources department will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the application process (jobs(at)leibniz-liv.de).
Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV) | Martinistraße 52 (N63) | 20251 Hamburg | www.leibniz-liv.de
