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Doctoral Researcher (f/m/d)

Reference number: 013/2025
Research group
Complexes in Phage-infected Cells
Hiring date
As soon as possible
Time limit
Initial contract for 3 years
Trial period
6 months
Payment
alike E13 TVöD Bund (65%)
Application deadline
02/11/2025

The junior research group ‘Complexes in Phage Infected Cells’ (CPIC) of Dr Milan Gerovac, at the HZI in Braunschweig, offers the position of a PhD student.

The Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH (HZI) is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres, the largest scientific organization in Germany. At HZI, researchers focus on developing strategies to improve the fight against infectious diseases. Their aim is to create new methods for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious compounds by studying both bacterial and viral pathogens and their interactions with the immune system, while also investigating new compounds with potential therapeutic effects.

Research in the CPIC group focuses on large bacterial viruses, so-called jumbo phages, which encode hundreds of uncharacterised factors to take control of the host. Multi-omics approaches and screenings are used to identify factors and functionally elucidate their impact on the phage replication cycle and ecological impact. Biochemical approaches are used to identify interaction partners and complexes and to infer regulatory networks. In addition, microscopy provides structural insights into protein-RNA complexes and effects on the cellular organisation of infected cells. With this knowledge in hand, phage-derived tools will be translated into applications to address the antimicrobial crisis.

Tasks

Illuminating Complexes at the Interface between Phages and Bacterial Pathogens

Prerequisites
  • Master’s Degree/Diploma or equivalent in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or a related field of the life sciences
  • Experience in molecular biology, microbiology, and/or biochemistry preferred
  • Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken)
  • Ability to work independently and as part of an international team
  • The project demands a well-structured and communicative working style
Working hours

19,5 hours per week

We offer:

  • Modern laboratories, including S3 unit
  • State-of-the-art analytical instrumentation
  • Ample biological profiling platforms (in vitro and in vivo)
  • A lively scientific community and a corporate culture of appreciation & promotion of equal opportunities
  • 30 days of vacation, (24.12. & 31.12. are considered as completely free days)
  • An annual additional payment (Weihnachtsgeld) analogue to § 20 TVöD
  • Social security included
  • DO IT- PhD initiative
  • Welcome Office
  • Buddy System for new doctoral researchers
  • Family Office, Child Holiday Care
  • One of the strongest research region in Europe
  • Central location within Germany, various metropolitan areas (i.e. Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Hannover) and recreational areas (i.e. Harz, Lüneburg Heath, North Sea) can be reached very quickly and easily by Train – it is also close to the airport Hannover.

The successful candidate will be part of the HZI International Graduate School for Infection Research (GS-FIRE) which provides an innovative structured PhD programme within the field of Infection Research.

People with severe disabilities and equivalent professional qualifications who are suitable for the position are given preference. In order to protect your rights, we ask you to provide us with a clearly recognizable reference to the existence of a degree of severe disability in your cover letter or resume. 

The HZI is actively committed to equality, diversity and integration. For this reason, the HZI pursues the goal of professional equality between women and men. The position is suitable for part-time work.

 

How to apply: 

When sending us your application documents, please confirm that you have read our privacy policy and that you agree to the processing of your personal data. Please use the text module in our privacy policy for this purpose. Without these declarations we cannot consider or process your application and will immediately delete any application documents already received after the application deadline.

Please include a cover letter, resume, (employment) references, certificates, and (if available) work samples or reference projects with your application materials. Please refrain from sending a photo.

Please send your complete application, quoting the reference number 013/2025, to the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH, Human Resources Department, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany or by e-mail. If you send your application in electronic form, please provide a summary in one single (1) pdf document.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Dr Milan Gerovac

Contact

Dr Milan Gerovac
Complexes in Phage-infected Cells

Interested? Apply now!