PhD student (f/m/x) in Translational Viral Immunology

Department I of Internal Medicine -Division of Infectious Diseases

Your salary will be based on TV-L

Your salary will be based on TV-L

Your tasks

You will independently plan and execute a translational PhD project with direct clinical relevance. Your responsibilities include:

• Detection analysis and functional characterization ofHIV-1 envelope sequences
• In vitroandin vivotesting ofHIV-1 antibody sensitivity
• Analysis ofHIV-1 sequence diversityand viral antibody resistance mechanisms
• Assessment of the impact of resistance-associated mutations onviral fitness
• Establishment and performance ofimmunological and virological assays including:
• Primary cell work and cell culture
• Virus cultures
• PCR cloning and molecular biology techniques
• Flow cytometry ELISA immunohistochemistry
• Analysis oflarge viral sequence and phenotypic datasets
• Presentation of results at internal meetings andnational and international conferences
• Preparation of manuscripts with the goal of publishing inhigh-impact international journals

Division of Infectious Diseases Department I of Internal Medicine

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student (f/m/x) with a strong interest in immunology virology and infectious diseases to join our Emmy Noetherfunded translational research group. The project focuses on characterizing viral antibody resistance mechanisms in people living with HIV combining patient-derived data with state-of-the-art experimental and computational approaches.

Your profile

You are an enthusiastic early-career scientist with a strong academic background and curiosity-driven mindset:

• ExcellentMasters or Diploma degreein life sciences medicine or a related field
• Solid knowledge ofimmunology virology molecular biology or related disciplines
• Strong scientific motivation and independence
• Ability to work effectively in acollaborative interdisciplinary team
• Excellent English skills(spoken and written); German is desirable but not required

Please submit your application including:

• Detailed CV
• List of publications (if applicable)
• Contact details oftwo references
• Brief description of yourresearch interests

Our offer

• We offer a highly clinically relevant translational research project in a young research group and a stimulating and internationally highly competitive environment
• Freedom and the support to design implement and direct own research projects and strong promotion of professional development
• Full access to state-of-the-art technology platforms and facilities to carry out cutting edge translational research
• A constantly growing group of highly motivated researchers
• A wide range of advanced techniques in the field of molecular and cellular biology virology infectious diseases and immunology
• Flexible working time models to support family life

Your future with us

We are one of the leading university hospitals in Germany and network research teaching and health care at the highest level. Thats why many things are a lot bigger for us: the spectrum of exciting development opportunities. The limitless openness with which specialists from all over the world work together here. Or our commitment as an employer to support all employees as best we can in reconciling their job with their goals and life situations.

This is the University Hospital of Cologne: Everything but ordinary.

Your future in detail

The translational research group is led byUniv.-Prof. Dr. Dr. Philipp Schommers MD/PhDand is funded by theGerman Research Foundation (DFG)through theEmmy Noether Programme. The group is located at theon the central campus of the University Hospital Cologne.

Our research aims to developnovel experimental and computational approachesto detect and understand antibody resistance in HIV-1infected individuals. This work will contribute to improved prediction of HIV-1 antibody sensitivity and inform future strategies forHIV treatment and prevention. The successful candidate will work in ahighly innovative interdisciplinary and international environment with the opportunity to drive collaborations with leading national and international partners.

For more information please visit:

Contact

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Dr. Philipp Schommers
Tel: 49 9

Application deadline: 8March 2026

Job-ID: th3ql2f6