PhD Student

The
Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM, )
is the largest Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Germany and member of the Leibniz Research Association, the National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, and a WHO Collaborating Centre.

The
Virus Immunology group
led by Prof. Dr. César Muñoz-Fontela at the
Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM)
in Hamburg is looking for a highly motivated

PhD Student (m/f/d)

• 65 % EG 13 TV-AVH -

for the investigation of mechanisms of transition between innate and adaptive immunity in the context of Ebola virus infection, to conduct molecular and cellular immunology studies, develop and optimize antigen presentation assays, perform infection and immunology research , and elucidate molecular pathways involved in cross-presentation. The project will be carried out within an international team of scientists and in collaboration with leading research institutions specializing in viral immunology and host–pathogen interactions.
Your Profile

• Completed master's degree or equivalent in biology, biochemistry or a related field
• Solid background and practical experience in molecular biology and cell culture
• Knowledge of immunology both at the theoretical and practical levels is a must
• Knowledge in virology and cell biology is a strong plus
• Practical experience in virology is a strong plus
• Eligibility, willingness and physical fitness to work in biosafety level (BSL) 4 laboratory, successful security clearance required
• Willingness to work with mice and perform animal experiments
• Motivation to learn new methods
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently and creatively
• Detailed documentation of experiments and presentation of results
• Strong team spirit and communication skills
• Willingness and ability to supervise and train students at the bachelor and master level

We Offer

• An interesting and challenging research project with an applied focus
• Comprehensive training in a vibrant scientific environment and using state-of-the-art instrumentation
• Integration into an open-minded, collaborative, and highly motivated research team
• A structured PhD training program and opportunities for further education and training
• A chance to participate in national and international conferences
• Flexible and family-friendly working time models
• 30 vacation days per year
• Childcare subsidy
• Subsidy for HVV-ProfiTicket as "Deutschlandticket" (Basic)
• Company pension scheme

Starting date should be January 1st 2026. The position is initially limited to 42 months and according to the rules of the public service under the TV-AVH (collective agreement of the "Arbeitsrechtliche Vereinigung Hamburg"). For the activity in the BSL-4 lab, health suitability and a successful security clearance by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and Counterterrorism (Ü2) are necessary.

We support our employees in achieving a work-life balance and promote the professional equality of women, men and non-binary people. We strive to assist women in their scientific career, increase the number of women in research and reduce under-representation in all areas and positions in general. We explicitly welcome applications from people with disabilities.

As a member of the Diversity Charter, the largest diversity management network in Germany, we are also committed to making diversity an integral part of our institute culture. It is our goal to create a working environment that is free of prejudice.

Please apply
by
preferably via our online form with a motivation letter, CV, high school and university certificates and the names and contact information of two references.

Alternatively, you can submit your application referring to "PhD Virus Immunology" via postal mail to: Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, HR Department, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.

If you have any questions regarding the application process or the selection procedure, please contact Jeannette Meurer from the HR Department ).

For further questions please contact
Prof. Dr. César Muñoz-Fontela
(munoz-, phone: or visit the group's homepage

).