PhD Student (m/f/d) Molecular Parasitology

Overview

The Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (www.bnitm.de) is the largest Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Germany and is the National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, a WHO Collaborating Centre and member of the Leibniz Research Association.

The Molecular Parasitology group of Dr. Joachim Michael Matz at the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg is looking for a highly motivated PhD Student (m/f/d) - 65% EG 13 TV-AVH - to join our team and explore the fascinating biology of malaria parasites.

About the project

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that threatens nearly half of the world’s population. It is caused by unicellular Plasmodium parasites, which invade and destroy red blood cells during infection. The most virulent species, Plasmodium falciparum, consumes up to 80% of host cell hemoglobin during its intraerythrocytic development. This process depends on endocytosis at cytostomes – specialized invaginations of the parasite surface – followed by trafficking of host cytosol-filled vesicles to the digestive vacuole, where hemoglobin is degraded. This essential pathway is not only critical for parasite survival but also highly relevant for drug susceptibility. Yet, the molecular mechanisms governing vesicle fusion with the digestive vacuole remain poorly understood.

In our previous work, we have identified two fusion mediators at the vacuolar membrane, which appear to play central roles in hemoglobin delivery.

This PhD project aims to:

• Characterize their molecular functions in endocytosis
• Identify their interaction partners mediating vesicle fusion
• Use fusion-defective mutants to investigate how parasite proteins are sorted along the endocytic pathway for degradation or recycling

By uncovering fundamental principles of vesicular trafficking, this work will contribute to a deeper understanding of parasite biology and potentially reveal novel drug targets.

What we offer

The successful candidate will benefit from comprehensive training in molecular and cell biology, including:

• Genetic engineering of human malaria parasites (CRISPR/Cas9, DiCre, etc.)
• A broad spectrum of cutting-edge imaging methods (live-cell and time-lapse fluorescence microscopy, ultrastructure expansion microscopy, super-resolution microscopy, electron microscopy)
• Protein-interaction studies, including Co-IP, BioID and native protein electrophoresis
• Complementary biochemical and computational approaches

Beyond technical training, you will join a dynamic, collaborative and international team and receive structured support through our PhD training program.

Your Profile

• Master’s degree or equivalent in life sciences
• Solid background in molecular and cellular biology
• Interest in parasitology
• Excellent teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Independent, creative, and motivated working style

Our benefits

• An exciting and meaningful research project with global health relevance
• State-of-the-art facilities and interdisciplinary training
• Integration into an open-minded, supportive, and highly motivated research environment
• A structured PhD training program and opportunities for further education and training
• Opportunities to present your work at national and international conferences
• Central, easily accessible location in Hamburg (close to Landungsbrücken)
• Flexible and family-friendly working hours
• Childcare subsidy
• Subsidized jobticket Deutschlandticket (BASIC)
• Company pension scheme

Starting date will be as soon as possible. The position is initially limited to 3 years and is remunerated with 65% EG 13 TV-AVH according to the rules of the public service under the TV-AVH (collective agreement of the “Arbeitsrechtliche Vereinigung Hamburg”).

We support our employees in achieving a healthy work-life balance and promote the professional equality of women and men. We strive to assist women in their scientific career, increase the number of women in research and reduce under-representation in all areas and positions in general. We explicitly welcome applications from people with disabilities.

As a member of the Diversity Charter, the largest diversity management network in Germany, we are also committed to making diversity an integral part of our institute culture. It is our goal to create a working environment that is free of prejudice.

Please apply by 02.11.2025 preferably via our online form with a motivation letter, CV, high school and university certificates and the names and contact information of two references.

Alternatively, you can submit your application referring to \"PhD_Molecular Parasitology\" via postal mail to: Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Ms. Katja Bünger, HR Department, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.

If you have any questions regarding the application process or the selection procedure, please contact Ms. Katja Bünger (buenger@bnitm.de) from the Human Resources Department.

For further questions please contact Dr. Joachim Michael Matz (joachim.matz@bnitm.de).