wanted for 01.01.2025 at the
Medical Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases for the
research group Viral Hepatitis B/D.
The research group Viral Hepatitis B/D at the Medical Clinic IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases) works closely together with the Department of Molecular Virology at the University Hospital Heidelberg, conducting translational research. The researcher will work under the supervision of Dr. med. Shirin Nkongolo in the Transregional Collaborative Research Centre (TRR) 179, and be part of the Integrated Research Training School (IRTG) “Immunovirology”, that unites MD and PhD students, postdoctoral and adjunct fellows across 3 sites, offering a wide range of training, collaboration, and networking opportunities.
Doctoral Student (m/f/d)
Activities and responsibilities
The project is focused on hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection, which is the most severe form of viral hepatitis, leading to liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and ultimately death. In addition to spread via assembled virions, HDV - in contrast to HBV - propagates through mitosis of hepatocytes, a spreading pathway inhibited upon activation of the interferon system. This project aims to better understand HDV cell division-mediated spread, and the response of the surrounding immune cells, using HDV-infected human liver biopsies that will be analyzed using immunohistochemistry, imaging mass cytometry, and spatial transcriptomics methods. Focussing on non-specific cells of the adaptive immune system (in particular non-specific CD8 T cells), designated aspects will be further investigated in functional experiments in cell culture.
As a part of the TRR179, this project is integrated into several collaborations across the 3 sites Heidelberg, Freiburg and Munich.
Qualification profile
- Masters degree in Biosciences or related field
- Traning and experience in computational data analysis (preferably in R)
- Experience in working with tissue samples is an advantage
- Independent and precise way of working
- Very good English language skills (German is not necessary, but will be an advantage)
We offer
- Flexible working hours
- Interdisciplinary work in a friendly team
- Collectively agreed remuneration, attractive company pension scheme (VBL)
- 30 days vacation
- Sustainable travel: job ticket
- Family-friendly working environment: cooperative arrangements for childcare, subsidy for child vacation care, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
- Wide range of health, prevention and sports offers
For further information please contact Shirin Nkongolo via e-mail.
Interested?
Applications will be accepted until 31th of October via e-mail.
Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Infektionen und Vergiftungen
Dr. med. Shirin Nkongolo
Im Neuenheimer Feld 410
69120 Heidelberg
email