Doktorand / PhD Student (gn*) Molecular Virology and Cell Biology

Fixed-term of 3 years | Part-time with 65% (25 hours/week) | Salary according to TV-L E 13 | Institute of Cellular Virology

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 support – ideally with you on board!

INSTITUTE AND RESEARCH:

The Institute of Cellular Virology, headed by Prof. Dr. Mario Schelhaas is 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.

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., 2024). 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.

The successful applicant will thus join an exciting research program in a dynamic working group to investigate the molecular mechanisms on how small DNA tumor viruses infect cells and how cell niche influences infection and its outcome.

REQUIREMENTS:

• MSc in Cell Biology/Virology or similar
• Strong background in cell biology or virology
• Strong commitment to research, and high motivation for interdisciplinary work
• Good communication skills and proficiency in English

The following qualifications are considered an asset:

• Strong background in (live cell) microscopy
• Experience with superresolution microscopy, computational image analysis
• Experience in working with complex cell cultures (epithelial models, organoids)
• Existing publication record

WE OFFER:

• An international, young and dynamic working environment
• Research laboratories with cutting edge and state-of-the-art equipment
• Excellent possibilities for career development

Contact: Prof. Dr. M. Schelhaas: schelhaas@uni-muenster.de

Apply now via our career portal until 26.11.2025, including

• CV
• Short letter of motivation
• Record of publications
• Contact information of two references in your application