Junior Research Group Leader (all genders) – Emerging Viruses

About CRC1648

CRC1648 focuses on scientific preparedness for emerging viral infections that pose major threats to global health, such as Ebola, MERS, Lassa fever, pandemic influenza and others. The consortium aims to address key knowledge gaps in four major research areas in the context of emerging virus research:

• Pathogenesis – mechanisms of viral disease
• Target Characterization – identification of viral and host molecules critical for infection
• Immunity – understanding immune defense and immunopathology in viral infections
• Intervention – development of antiviral and vaccine strategies

By integrating cellular, structural, computational, and chemical biology, CRC1648 combines basic and translational research to develop innovative approaches for combating current and future viral outbreaks, including as-yet-unknown pathogens (“Disease X”).

For more information about CRC1648 please visit our website UKE - CRC1648

Position Description:

The Junior Research Group Leader will conduct independent research projects aligned with the overarching themes of CRC1648. The successful candidate will establish their own research group and contribute to the collaborative and interdisciplinary environment of the CRC1648.

The group will be fully integrated into the CRC1648 network, benefitting from shared infrastructure, core facilities, and extensive scientific exchange. Active participation in CRC1648 meetings, training activities, and joint research initiatives is expected.

Your Tasks:

• Establish and lead a Junior Research Group focusing on emerging viruses
• Contribute to the pandemic preparedness framework of CRC1648
• Introduce innovative techniques or model systems that advance CRC1648 research
• Collaborate with CRC1648 members and contribute to joint research projects

The position offers competitive funding for three years for personnel and consumables. The Junior Research Group Leader will potentially have the opportunity to apply as a project leader in the next CRC1648 funding period starting in summer 2028, provided that the candidate demonstrates the requisite scientific competitiveness.

• Doctoral degree (PhD or MD/PhD) in biology, biochemistry, human biology, or a related field; alternatively, an MD degree with a strong clinician scientist background
• Fulfillment of the DFG criteria for early career researchers*
• Proven research excellence and a strong publication record as first or senior author
• Demonstrated ability for independent research and project management
• High motivation to pursue a successful scientific career in basic or translational research
• Commitment to collaboration within the CRC1648 and contribution to its interdisciplinary goals

* An early career scientist is defined as someone who has not completed their doctoral degree more than eight years ago (the year of the oral examination is decisive). Maternity and parental leave (to be specified in research profiles) extend this period by two years for each child, up to a maximum of 12 years.  

Application Documents

Please submit a single PDF file including:

• Cover letter outlining your research vision and motivation (max. 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae including a publication list (preferably in DFG format)
• Summary of previous research achievements (max. 2 pages)
• Short project proposal (max. 3 pages) aligned with CRC1648 themes
• Contact details for three references

• Attractive compensation according to TVöD/VKA / TV-Ärzte/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.