The successful applicant will study HEV entry into host cells. To this end, the applicant will combine genetic, biochemical and high content imaging approaches to identify and characterise cellular and viral determinants of cell entry. In particular, the applicant will follow up on the identification of integrins as host co-factors of HEV cell entry (Fu et al. BioRxiv) and investigate their role in the species tropism of zoonotic HEV genotypes. For further information on the project, please contact us.
Relevant publications:
1. Fu RM, Engels Z, Weihs JA, Murle J, Klohn M, Todt D, Hu JG, Steinmann E, Boettler T, Lozach PY, Lemon SM, Dao Thi VL (2023) A high-content RNA-based imaging approach reveals integrin beta 1 as a cofactor for cell entry of non-enveloped hepatitis E virus. bioRxiv. doi:
2. Dao Thi VL, Wu X, Belote RL, Andreo U, Takacs CN, Fernandez JP, Vale-Silva LA, Decker CC, Fu RM, Qu B, Uryu K, Molina H, Saeed M, Steinmann E, Urban S, Singarja RR, Schneider WM, Simon SM, and Rice CM. 2020. Stem cell-derived
3. Wu X, Dao Thi VL, Huang Y, Billerbeck E, Saha D, Hoffmann HH, Wang Y, Vale Silva LA, Sarbanes S, Sun T, Andrus L, Quirk C, MacDonald MR, Schneider WM, An X, Rosenberg BR, and Rice CM (2018). Intrinsic Immunity Shapes Viral Resistance of Stem Cells. Cell. 172(3)
We are looking for a candidate who is
4. highly motivated, interactive and team-oriented
5. well-organized with good time management and multi-tasking skills
6. has a background and interest in molecular biology and virology.
7. holds a Master’s degree in Biomedical or Molecular Sciences, Biochemistry, Biology or related fields.
8. has at least intermediate (B2 level or higher) knowledge of English (written and oral),
9. expertise in cell culture, cell imaging and confocal microscopy is advantageous.
10. A highly interactive, supportive, and collaborative scientific environment
11. state-of-the-art facilities available on the Heidelberg University campus (eg. Fully equipped microcopy facility with confocal microscopy, super resolution STED and STORM microscopy, light sheet microscopy, TIRF microscopy etc)
12. Opportunities to attend prestigious international scientific conferences
13. International working environment with rich networking opportunities
14. Flexible working hours
15. Target-oriented individual further education and training opportunities
16. Targeted training on the job
17. Collectively agreed remuneration, attractive company pension scheme (VBL)
18. 30 days vacation
19. Sustainable travel: job ticket
20. Family-friendly working environment: cooperative arrangements for childcare, subsidy for child vacation care, advice for employees with relatives in need of care
21. Wide range of health, prevention and sports offers