PhD Student (gn*) Molecular Virology and Cell Biology

Job Id: 12420

Fixed-term of 3 Years | Part-time with 65% | Salary according to TV-L E13 | Molecular Virology and Cell Biology

We are UKM. We have a clear social mission and, with our focus on healthcare, research, and teaching, we bear a unique responsibility.

To meet our high standards every day, we are looking forward to your scientific expertise at the Institute of Cellular Virology. We are headed by Prof. Dr. Mario Schelhaas and are embedded within a vibrant research environment and part of various research networks. Located within the Centre of Molecular Biology of Inflammation, a state-of-the-art research institution, we offer an internationally renowned research and training environment and established strong collaborations within Europe and the USA – ideally with you on board!

Our research focuses on investigating host-pathogen interactions with a strong emphasis on cell biological mechanisms. Viruses as simple, obligatory, intracellular parasites depend on the host cell for their life cycle. For initial infection and cell entry, viruses hijack cellular processes such as signaling, membrane trafficking, intra- and intercellular transport, nuclear import and export, and mitosis. Following viruses, thus, provides a unique opportunity to analyze these cellular mechanisms. Hence, our research on virus-host interactions of small DNA tumor viruses during cell entry in the Schelhaas laboratory focusses as much on the understanding of the basic cellular biology as it does help to fight viral diseases (for recent insights into our work please refer to Brinkert et al., EMBO Rep., 2025, Bano et al., Sci. Adv., 2024, Feng et al., Nat. Commun. 2024, Rizzato et al., Nat. Commun. 2023). Using cellular and molecular techniques in combination with super-resolution microscopy, systems biology approaches, and advanced imaging techniques in live cells, organoids, and organisms, the laboratory continues to identify and elucidate basic mechanisms of tumor virus infections in cells. Moreover, making exciting new strides into uncharted territories, we investigate how cell differentiation, pre-existing immune conditions, superinfections, aging, etc. affect the infection outcome using model systems that mimic such conditions.

You will investigate the molecular mechanisms on how small DNA tumor viruses infect cells and how cell niche influences infection and its outcome. This positions aims at researching the mechanism and consequences of nuclear import by human papillomaviruses, a unique process for DNA viruses linked to cell cycle progression and mitosis (Shin et al., 2025; Rizzato et al., 2023; Lai et al., 2021; Aydin et al., 2017, Aydin et al., 2014).

REQUIREMENTS:

MSc in Cell Biology/Virology or similar

Strong background in cell biology or virology

Experience with fluorescence microscopy

Strong commitment to research, and high motivation for interdisciplinary work

Good communication skills and proficiency in English

The following qualifications are considered an asset:

Experience in live cell microscopy

Experience with superresolution microscopy

Background and experience on mitosis

Existing publication record

WE OFFER:

Salary according to TV-L E 13, Extra annual payment, and company pension plan (VBL)

30 days of vacation per year, plus two additional days off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve

Research laboratories with cutting edge and state-of-the-art equipment

Excellent possibilities for career development

A wide range of training and professional development opportunities

A respectful and appreciative work environment within a diverse team

Support and advisory services for health and work-life balance

Additional benefits such as sports programs, job ticket, jobrad, company events, cafeteria, and emergency childcare

For inquiries, please contact: Prof. Dr. M. Schelhaas: schelhaas@uni-muenster.de

Apply now via our career portal.

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BENEFITS:

Exciting projects

Further education and training

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Be part of the research innovation

Even more benefits

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Further Information

Information regarding the application process

Equal Opportunities:

Equal opportunities are an integral part of our HR policy. UKM supports the compatibility of career and family life and has been certified as a family-conscious employer since 2010. In principle, part-time employment is possible. In areas where women are underrepresented, they will be given preferential consideration in accordance with statutory provisions, provided they have equal qualifications, aptitude, and professional performance. Applicants with severe disabilities will also be given preferential consideration under the same conditions and within the framework of legal regulations.

Further Information:

Due to the legal requirements of the German Measles Protection Act, employment with us is only possible with full vaccination protection against measles.

We reserve the right to close the selection process as soon as a suitable candidate has been found.

Applications submitted by email or post cannot be considered.

Salary according to TV-L. Classification is based on the assigned responsibilities and qualifications. Placement within the pay scale levels is determined according to relevant professional experience.

Notice to Recruitment Agencies:

UKM already cooperates with selected recruitment agencies on the basis of framework agreements. We therefore kindly ask you to refrain from submitting unsolicited offers. Information on tender procedures can generally be found on the NRW procurement platform.

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Universitätsklinikum Münster

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