Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)

Code: 144/2021

2021-10-20

The Institute for Experimental Virology, led by Prof. Dr. Thomas Pietschmann, at TWINCORE - Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research in Hanover, is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) for the study of vaccine -induced antibody response and their protective role on the Hepatitis E virus (HEV) to support our international and interdisciplinary team. At TWINCORE medical personnel and basic research scientists from various disciplines conduct infection research side by side. Our focus is upon translational research the interface between basic research and clinical development. The Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) is the most frequent cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. Usually, it causes a mild disease but – dependent on the prevalent HEV genotype- underlying conditions such as pre-existing liver disease or pregnancy predispose for severe hepatitis and acute liver failure. Currently, there is no approved treatment against HEV and a vaccine is currently only licensed in China. In Europe, the zoonotic genotype 3 (GT3) is most prevalent, which has its main reservoir in pigs. Therefore, HEV GT3 infections are mostly associated with consumption of undercooked or raw meat products. The aim of this project is to vigorously analyze humoral antibody-responses of pigs in order to gain knowledge about the neutralizing capacity and cross-reactiveness of pigs which have been immunized by different means. In the future, this will give insights about vaccine candidates and their ability to protect from GT3 infection and for tailored prevention strategies. This project makes use of a HEV reverse genetic system mainly of GT3 to perform infection assays in a hepatoma- and primary human hepatocytes. We apply deep sequencing technology, virological and cell biological techniques, Cas9 genome editing and metabolome studies. In our international network of collaborators, we join forces across disciplines with bioinformaticians, mathematicians and drug researchers. Within this project, the necessary animal work will be conducted by our collaboration partner at the Friedrich Loeffler-Institut (Federal Research Institut for Animal Health). Our close collaboration with the Hannover Medical School enables to translate our results into the humans.

• Graduate degree in Life Sciences, Human or Veterinary Medicine

• PhD degree in virology or immunology

• Previous experience in the field of molecular virology of plus strand RNA viruses

• Knowledge of cell biology and basic knowledge in statistics and bioinformatics are expected

• Required soft skills, such as organizational skills, independent, structured and goal-oriented work, team and communication skills

• Expertise in HEV research and experience with handing biosamples

We offer you:

• challenging and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
• most modern workplace equipment
• additional services of the public service
• extensive further training opportunities
• flexible working hours and workplace design
• Support for a better balance between work and private life through our family office

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 strives for professional equality between women and men.

The position is suitable for part-time work and will be realized within the scope of the possibilities of the service.

Twincore Hannover

as soon as possible

The contract will initially run for two years.

6 month

TVöD 13 / Bund

2021-10-20

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Please send your complete application, quoting the reference number 144/2021, to the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH, Human Resources Department, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany or by e-mail to [email protected] . If you send your application in electronic form, please provide a summary in one single (1) pdf document.

For further information please contact Dr. Patrick Behrendt, Head of the Research Group “Translational Virology” at the Institute for Experimental Virology at TWINCORE by email: [email protected] .