PhD Student (gn*) Molecular Virology and Cell Biology

Fixed-term of 3 Years | Part-time with 65% | Salary according to TV-L E13 | Molecular Virology and Cell Biology

We are UKM. We have a clear social mission and, with our focus on healthcare, research, and teaching, we bear a unique responsibility.

To meet our high standards every day, we are looking forward to your scientific expertise at the Institute of Cellular Virology. We are headed by Prof. Dr. Mario Schelhaas and are embedded within a vibrant research environment and part of various research networks. Located within the Centre of Molecular Biology of Inflammation, a state-of-the-art research institution, we offer an internationally renowned research and training environment and established strong collaborations within Europe and the USA – ideally with you on board!

Our research focuses on investigating host-pathogen interactions with a strong emphasis on cell biological mechanisms. Viruses as simple, obligatory, intracellular parasites depend on the host cell for their life cycle. For initial infection and cell entry, viruses hijack cellular processes such as signaling, membrane trafficking, intra- and intercellular transport, nuclear import and export, and mitosis. Following viruses, thus, provides a unique opportunity to analyze these cellular mechanisms. Hence, our research on virus-host interactions of small DNA tumor viruses during cell entry in the Schelhaas laboratory focusses as much on the understanding of the basic cellular biology as it does help to fight viral diseases (for recent insights into our work please refer to Brinkert et al., EMBO Rep., 2025, Bano et al., Sci. Adv., 2024, Feng et al., Nat. Commun. 2024, Rizzato et al., Nat. Commun. 2023). Using cellular and molecular techniques in combination with super-resolution microscopy, systems biology approaches, and advanced imaging techniques in live cells, organoids, and organisms, the laboratory continues to identify and elucidate basic mechanisms of tumor virus infections in cells. Moreover, making exciting new strides into uncharted territories, we investigate how cell differentiation, pre-existing immune conditions, superinfections, aging, etc. affect the infection outcome using model systems that mimic such conditions.

You will investigate the molecular mechanisms on how small DNA tumor viruses infect cells and how cell niche influences infection and its outcome. This positions aims at researching the mechanism and consequences of nuclear import by human papillomaviruses, a unique process for DNA viruses linked to cell cycle progression and mitosis (Shin et al., 2025; Rizzato et al., 2023; Lai et al., 2021; Aydin et al., 2017, Aydin et al., 2014).

REQUIREMENTS:

• MSc in Cell Biology/Virology or similar
• Strong background in cell biology or virology
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy
• Strong commitment to research, and high motivation for interdisciplinary work
• Good communication skills and proficiency in English

The following qualifications are considered an asset:

• Experience in live cell microscopy
• Experience with superresolution microscopy
• Background and experience on mitosis
• Existing publication record

WE OFFER:

• Salary according to TV-L E 13, Extra annual payment, and company pension plan (VBL)
• 30 days of vacation per year, plus two additional days off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
• Research laboratories with cutting edge and state-of-the-art equipment
• Excellent possibilities for career development
• A wide range of training and professional development opportunities
• A respectful and appreciative work environment within a diverse team
• Support and advisory services for health and work-life balance
• Additional benefits such as sports programs, job ticket, jobrad, company events, cafeteria, and emergency childcare

For inquiries, please contact: Prof. Dr. M. Schelhaas : [email protected]

Apply now via our career portal.