The Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV) is an independent research institution for basic biomedical research. As a foundation under civil law and member of the Leibniz Association, the Institute occupies a leading position both nationally and internationally.

The BMBF research group Genomics of Retroviral Infection, headed by Dr. Ulrike Lange, focuses on the biology of human exogenous and endogenous retroviruses and on development of approaches to control retroviral infections. The group uses a wide range of experimental methods combined with computational biology approaches to address research questions that span from basic to translational science. In recent work, we have characterized the signature of human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) activity at locus-level resolution in primary T cells (Hamann et al., 2023, BMC Medical Genomics). We are currently actively exploring how this signature is impacted upon in HIV-1 infection, which has been reported to induce global HERV activation. The project will focus on functional studies to dissect HERV regulated or modulated pathways in infected and bystander CD4 T cells, to better understand how transposable elements are shaping immune responses in HIV-1 infection. The project will involve experimental laboratory work, including a range of molecular biology techniques, genetic engineering/kd/ko studies in primary T cells and generation and analysis of transcriptomics and epigenomics datasets amongst other.

We are looking for a highly motivated, ambitious and team-oriented candidate for a

Postdoc position (f/m/x)

The role of transposable elements in shaping immune responses in HIV-1 infection

Your tasks

• Conduct and shape a research project on the topic of TEs in HIV-1 infection
• Work as independent researcher with accountability towards the research project
• Integrate into the research team and provide support for junior members/students
• Present research findings at national and international level
• Develop future research projects and draft manuscripts

Your profile

• Solid expertise in human immunology and experimental laboratory work
• Expertise in transposable element biology and HIV-1 virology are an asset but not required
• Strong commitment, team spirit, very good communication and organizational skills, and ability to work in an independent and flexible manner
• Ph D degree in the Life Sciences
• Very good English language skills (oral and written)

What we offer

• Working as part of a highly motivated team in a state-of-the art, international research environment with excellent core facilities
• Remuneration according to EG 13 TV-AVH (Hamburg Employment Law Association Collective Agreement) (comparable to TVöD - Civil Service Collective Agreement), including company pension scheme, 30 days of annual vacation
• Further training opportunities, incl. subsidized English and German courses at the institute
• Health protection offers at the Institute (in cooperation with voiio Gmb H)
• Flexible, family-friendly working hours
• HVV Deutschlandticket subsidy
• Canteen use subsidy

The position is initially limited for 2 years with starting date 1st quartile of 2025.

The LIV is certified with the Total Equality distinction, and promotes work-life balance and professional equality between employees of all sex and genders. Severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration if their suitability, qualifications, and professional performance are otherwise equal.

Your application should include a letter of motivation, CV, short description of previous research projects and technical expertise, names and contact details of two referees and your certificates. We look forward to receiving your application in English language until the 15th November 2024. Until the position is filled, applications received at a later date may be considered.

Would you like to shape the future with us? Then we look forward to receiving your application!

Contact:
Contact: Dr. Dr. Ulrike Lange (ulrike.lange@leibniz-liv.de)

Leibniz Institute of Virology | Martinistraße 52 | 20251 Hamburg| Germany | -liv.de

Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV) | Martinistraße 52 (N63) | 20251 Hamburg |