Join one of Germany’s leading research environments for infection biology and immunology. At the Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research (CIID), University Hospital Heidelberg, you will work at the interface of virology, immunology, tissue engineering, and microfluidics. As part of the Excellence Cluster SynthImmune and a DFG-funded research project, you will contribute to developing innovative human lymphoid organ models to investigate HIV pathogenesis and immune responses.
You will benefit from state-of-the-art research infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaboration, and excellent opportunities for scientific and professional development.
Your Tasks
- You will develop and optimize human lymphoid organ culture models, including tonsil explants and aggregate cultures, to investigate adaptive immune responses and HIV-1 pathogenesis
- Using tissue engineering and microfluidic approaches, you will establish next-generation ex vivo lymphoid models with improved longevity, immune competence, and suitability for long-term HIV infection studies
- Your work will focus on enabling the investigation of viral persistence and the establishment of HIV latency in human tissue-based model systems
- You will apply these models to study the mechanisms of action of the HIV pathogenesis factor Nef and its impact on host immune functions
- In collaboration with interdisciplinary research teams, you will examine the anti-HIV activity of neutrophils and their role in antiviral immune responses
- Furthermore, you will evaluate de novo immune responses to novel vaccine candidates developed within the Excellence Cluster SynthImmune
- You will analyze and present scientific data, contribute to publications in international journals, and actively participate in collaborative research activities within the project network
Your Profile
- Master’s degree in Immunology, Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Life Sciences, or a related field
- Solid background in immunology and a strong interest in infection biology and translational research
- Experience with primary human immune cell culture and/or organoid or tissue-based model systems is an advantage
- Practical expertise in flow cytometry is desirable
- Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken
- Genuine scientific curiosity and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research
- A collaborative, proactive, and well-organized working style rounds off your profile
We offer
- Collectively agreed remuneration (TV-L E13), attractive company pension scheme (VBL)
- 30 days vacation
- Sustainable travel: job ticket
- Family-friendly working environment: cooperative arrangements for childcare, subsidy for child vacation care, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
- Wide range of health, prevention and sports offers
Contact & Application
Apply online here.
For further information, please get in touch with Kathrin Bajak by phone at +49 6221 56-5061 or via email.
Advance innovative HIV research with us!
We look forward to receiving your online application.
Zentrum für Infektiologie
Kathrin Bajak
Im Neuenheimer Feld 324
69120 Heidelberg
06221 56-5061
synthimmune@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Note: The UKHD is subject to the provisions of the Infektionsschutzgesetz. Therefore, a valid measles immunity certificate is required for all persons employed at the UKHD.
The UKHD embraces diversity and values diversity.
Regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, origin or religion, we offer everyone the same opportunities. If one gender is underrepresented in a particular area, we place particular emphasis on counteracting this imbalance. If they have the same aptitude, qualifications, and professional performance, we give priority to people with severe disabilities when considering them for vacancies.