Postdoctoral researcher (f/m/x) in translational viral immunology in Köln

• Development of new methods to rapidly detect HIV-1 envelope sequences and testing of their antibody sensitivity in vitro and in vivo
• Characterization of HIV-1 sequence variability and viral resistance mechanisms in HIV-1 infected individuals
• Assessment of the impact of HIV-1 antibody resistance mutations on viral fitness
• Implementation and conduction of immunologic and virologic assays and methods, including primary cells, cell culture, virus cultures, PCR, cloning, flow cytometry, ELISA, immunohistochemistry
• Analysis of large datasets containing viral sequence and phenotypic data
• Collaboration with some of the world’s most influential scientists and physicians within our clinic and other excellent national and international research groups
• Supervision and training of junior members and technicians in the lab
• Presentation of the data in in-house meetings as well as at national and international conferences
• Drafting and writing manuscripts with the overall goal to publish our results in high-impact journals

• You hold a PhD in molecular biology, virology, immunology, or equivalent with a visible publication record
• Experience in the above-mentioned research methodologies
• Experience in mouse models and/or BSL2 work are desirable but no prerequisite
• A high motivation level and the ability to work effectively in a team
• Excellent English communication skills, both spoken and written, German language is desirable
• Experience in drafting and writing of manuscripts and research grants is required
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent data reporting and communication skills

• We offer a highly clinically relevant translational research project in our research group and a stimulating and internationally highly competitive environment
• Freedom and the support to design, implement, and direct own research projects and strong promotion of professional development
• Full access to state-of-the-art technology platforms and facilities to carry out cutting edge translational research
• A constantly growing group of highly motivated technicians and researchers
• A wide range of advanced techniques in the field of molecular and cellular biology, virology, infectious diseases, and immunology
• Flexible working time models to support family life

Working at the University Hospital Cologne and the Medical Faculty means helping to shape the future - the future of medicine, of patients and, of course, your own future. You benefit from 59 clinics and institutes as well as numerous other departments and facilities and more than 10,000 jobs. The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Cologne and the University Hospital Cologne assume important social tasks in research, teaching and patient care. A close network with many university and non-university partners guarantees an internationally successful science and the excellent education of our students.

Our translational research group, led by Philipp Schommers, MD/PhD is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) through the Emmy Noether Programme. Our group is located in the middle of the campus of the University Hospital Cologne in the where we have access to state-of-the-art BSL-1 to BSL-3 laboratories and several excellent core facilities and in-house services.

Our group aims to develop novel methods to detect and describe antibody resistances in HIV-1 infected patients. This will help to understand viral resistance mechanisms and to better predict a patient’s HIV-1 antibody sensitivity for future new strategies to treat and prevent HIV-1 infections. We offer you a leading role in a highly progressive, diverse, and innovative scientific environment and the possibility for driving collaboration with several long-term national and international collaborators. The appointee will be enabled to conduct own research projects with an upmost creativity and intellectual freedom to work across disciplines and produce internationally exciting research.

Further information is available on the internet .