PhD Position (m/f/d) - Infection Immunology / Virology / 13865 (Biologist)

PhD Position (m/f/d) - Infection Immunology / Virology (Pay grade: EG 13 TV-L) Area of application: Institute of Medical Microbiology - AG Knuschke Job ID: 13865 Start date: 01.10.2026 Scope: Part-time / 25.025 h Contract type: Fixed-term Duration: 30.09.2029

Your tasks:

• Perform in vitro and in vivo experiments to characterize the intrinsic and extrinsic (paracrine) functions of hemoglobin in lung immune and epithelial cells
• Apply molecular biology techniques
• Plan, perform, and analyze therapeutic intervention studies
• Present research findings at national and international conferences and contribute to peer-reviewed publications
• Assist in supervising Bachelor's / Master's students

Your profile:

• You have a university degree (Master or Diploma) in Biology, Molecular Medicine, Immunology, Biochemistry, or a related field
• Solid background in cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques
• Experience in laboratory animal science (FELASA B) is an advantage
• Strong interest in basic research in virology/immunology
• Independent, structured, and team-oriented working-style
• Excellent written and spoken English skills; German language skills are a plus but not required

Look forward to:

• An exciting, methodologically diverse PhD project in an internationally visible research field
• Dedicated supervision of the doctoral project within a cooperative working group with regular seminars
• State-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure at University Hospital Essen
• Enrollment into the Graduate School for Biomedical Science 'BIOME' (https://www.uni-due.de/biome) (https://www.uni-due.de/biome) )
• A collegial working environment that encourages independent scientific ideas
• A secure job in the public service of the state of NRW
• Fair pay according to collective agreement (TV-L) incl. annual special payment and company supplementary pension scheme
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year (based on a 5-day week)
• Interdisciplinary work with colleagues from other departments
• Working with modern equipment and certified quality standards
• Family-friendly corporate culture, e.g., company daycare, holiday program for school-aged children, advice and support from the Department for Family & Health in all life situations
• Diverse training and further education opportunities, e.g., in the Bildungsakademie of UK Essen
• Health management, e.g., occupational reintegration management, vaccinations, promotion of sports offers
• Attractive additional benefits, e.g., discounted canteen meals, community events, dormitory places

Framework conditions: The classification is based on personal and collective agreement requirements. Severely disabled applicants and those of equivalent status within the meaning of § 2 Para. 3 SGB IX will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified. In the case of a written application, please submit your documents only as uncertified copies and do not use folders, as they will not be returned. Destruction in accordance with data protection regulations is guaranteed. UK Essen aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented. You are encouraged to apply and will be given priority in the sense of the LGG if qualifications are equal. A certificate according to §23a Infektionsschutzgesetz (IfSG) regarding vaccination and serostatus concerning measles is required.