Doctoral Researcher: “RNA Phage defense mechanisms” (f/m/d)

Reference number: 108/2024

Research group: Molecular Principles of RNA Phages
Hiring date: As soon as possible
Time limit: Initial contract for 3 years
Trial period: 6 months
Payment: alike TVöD/Bund E13 (65%)
Application deadline: 07/31/2024

The Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) is offering a position as Doctoral Researcher: “RNA Phage defense mechanisms”.

The Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) is offering a position as Doctoral Researcher: “RNA Phage defense mechanisms” (f/m/d) in the research group Molecular Principles of RNA Phages under the direction of Jun.-Prof. Jens Hör.

Tasks

Research in the Hör lab is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of RNA phages during infection, host takeover, and anti-phage defense. Bacteria use so-called defense systems to protect themselves against phage infection. Until recently, only three major classes of defense systems were known. Over the last five years, however, more than a hundred new defense systems have been discovered, many of which are the evolutionary origin of human innate immune systems. Despite these tremendous successes, little is known on how bacteria defend themselves against RNA phages, which are an understudied class of phages that use RNA as their genetic material. The doctoral student will study how bacteria defend themselves against RNA phage infection and decipher the molecular mechanisms of this defense.

Prerequisites

Master’s degree/Diploma or equivalent in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, biotechnology, or a related field
Prior experience in phage biology, molecular biology, microbiology, and/or biochemistry
Highly motivated and independent and able to work as part of an international team
Strong written and spoken English language communication skills

Working hours

39 hours per week

What we offer

We offer state-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies to promote scientific progress and interdisciplinary collaboration. We focus on a close integration of research and management and strive for excellence inside and outside the laboratory. Promoting equal opportunities and competencies for our employees and celebrating diversity are a matter of course for us. To ensure a good work-life balance, we have created a family-friendly atmosphere with flexible working hours and part-time models, a parent-child room and regular social activities.

Employment is through the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (Helmholtz-Zentrum für Infektionsforschung GmbH / HZI) in Braunschweig. The place of work is Würzburg. The position is suitable for part-time work. The HZI strives for professional equality between women and men. Therefore, women are especially encouraged to apply. 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 successful candidate will be integrated in the Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS) of the Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg (JMU) which provides an innovative structured PhD program.

More information at https://www.graduateschools.uni-wuerzburg.de/life-sciences/startseite/.

About the HIRI

The Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) is the first institution of its kind worldwide to combine ribonucleic acid (RNA) research with infection biology. Based on novel findings from our strong basic research program, our long-term goal is to develop innovative therapeutic approaches to better diagnose and treat human infections. HIRI is a site of the Braunschweig Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in cooperation with the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) and is located on the Würzburg Medical Campus.

More information at www.helmholtz-hiri.de.