Open position on Hepatitis A Virus research for a PhD student 

The Lohmann Lab is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative PhD student to join our DFG-funded research project within the collaborative research consortium TRR179, aiming at the understanding of persistence and clearance of hepatotropic viruses. The project will focus on the characterization of two novel HAV molecular clones in cell culture and in animal models (in collaboration).

We will implement immortalized cell lines as well as organoid models to understand HAV replication, pathogenesis and spread in gut and liver. The project further aims at identifying molecular determinants of HAV cell culture adaptation with a special focus on the nonstructural protein 2B. The candidate should have a strong background and interest in molecular biology and microscopy techniques, as well as in virus-host interactions. 

The project is funded by the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung for a duration of 3 years, the position is available immediately.

Desired qualifications are:

• For PhD candidates: A master degree in biology or a related field, eligible for PHD studies at the Faculty of Biosciences of Heidelberg University.
  Profound knowledge in virology and cell biology.
• Solid experience in state-of-the-art cell and molecular biology techniques.
• To work accurately and being able to conduct independent research, but also enjoying to work in an international and interdisciplinary environment. This includes being willing to advise students in the lab

• Fluency in English language (written and spoken) is mandatory.

   

Your profile:

• Master degree in natural sciences
• Experience in microscopy
• To work accurately and being able to conduct independent research, but also enjoying to work in an international and interdisciplinary environment
   

What we offer:

• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and infrastructure as well as flexible working hours
• Networking opportunity and visibility in wide-spread national networks of highest quality (like e.g. TRR179, DZIF)
• Access to many university-offers such as job-ticket, active health promotion and possibility of childcare (crèche and kindergarten)
• A creative and vibrant environment in an international, science-oriented, and one of the most beautiful cities in Germany
• An internationally highly competitive salary according to the Baden-Württemberg civil service remuneration system (TV-L E13)

Candidates interested in this position should send their application via Email until May 24th 2026 to
volker.lohmann@med.uni-heidelberg.de

Heidelberg is a very active and lively center for research in the field of life sciences and medical research (https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/index_e.html). It is one of the leading centers in virus research as well as systems biology in Europe. The campus provides unique opportunities for basic research in life sciences and is well connected to external institutions such as the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the Max-Planck Institute for Medical Research.