PhD student positions in Molecular Infection Biology in DFG Research Training Group Humans and Microbes

Positions in the following research projects are available (6 positions will be directly located at the UKE):

The following projects are available:

(1) Control of Yersinia translocon activity and immune recognition
(2) Interplay between Yersinia enterocolitica and the autophagosomal/lysosomal system in epithelial host cells and organoids
(3) Characterisation of Fic-enzyme targets from Legionella
(4) Proteome-based analysis of Borrelia phagosome compaction
(5) Dissecting the trafficking events leading to herpesvirus secondary envelopment
(6) Role of importin-α7 in influenza A virus ribonucleoprotein complex assembly and nuclear trafficking
(7) Investigation of the BK-Virus life cycle and antiviral mechanisms of BKV specific inhibitors in human primary cells and kidney organoids
(8) Key determinants in vesicular trafficking in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum
(9) Spatiotemporal dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid interactome

More information: http://grk2771.de/

The official 3-4 year PhD programme starts in November 2025 with 65% of the regular weekly working hours. Hiring starts now.

• Excellent scientific degree (Master’s degree or equivalent in biology, biochemistry, microbiology or a related subject)
• High motivation
• Strong interest in cellular and molecular infection biology
• Conscientious and structured work ethik
• Commitment, team and communication skills, independence and flexibility
• Competent language abilities in English

Please send applications that include:

• Letter of motivation, name the projects you are interested in
• CV including 2 references
• Certificates (University entrance, qualification, BSc, and MSc)
• Abstract of Master thesis (1 page) with summary of experimental skills
• List of publications (if applicable)

Latest interviews will take place in early July 2025.

• Structured programme (workshops, lunch clubs, guest speaker)
• Close mentoring (Thesis Advisory Committee, Mercator Fellows)
• New technologies
• Lab visit abroad
• International environment
• Attractive compensation according to TVöD/VKA
• Secure employment with meaningful work and respectful collaboration
• Comprehensive onboarding and open knowledge exchange within the team
• Extensive training and further education programs at our UKE Academy for Education and Careers
• Opportunities to contribute to our “UKE INside” personnel policy through cross-professional and cross-hierarchical projects
• Sustainable travel: subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket, and Dr. Bike bicycle service
• Family-friendly working environment: cooperation on childcare, free vacation childcare, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
• Excellent health, wellness, and sports programs
• A wide range of dining options in our staff restaurant, with additional choices available at the “Health Kitchen” cafés, bistros, and an on-site supermarket

We live diversity and value variety

We offer a work environment that provides equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, ethnic and social origin, or religion. This is confirmed by our accession to the Charter of Diversity. We explicitly aim to increase the proportion of women in management positions, especially among scientific personnel in research and teaching. Women with equal qualifications will be given priority. The same applies in the case of under-representation of one gender in the advertised area. Persons with severe disabilities with equal aptitude, competence, and professional performance will be given priority.

> Learn more about "Diversity at UKE" here.