two positions for doctoral students

The Research Center Borstel ( is the lung center in the Leibniz Association. Our central task is basic and translational research in the field of respiratory diseases. We operate extensive laboratory and research infrastructures. We have one goal: to improve existing methods for detecting, preventing and treating lung diseases and to develop new, innovative therapeutic approaches.

The Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine ( in Hamburg 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 Association. The project is part of the DFG-funded priority programme Physics of Parasites (SPP 2332). Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the majority of malaria related morbidity and mortality in humans. Of great importance for the pathology of malaria is the ability of P. falciparum infected erythrocytes to cytoadhere to vascular endothelia. Until now, little is known concerning the kinetics and dynamics of the process of cytoadhesion.

The Biophysics research group at the Research Center Borstel (FZB) and in the Host-Parasite Interaction research group at the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) offer:

Two positions for doctoral students (f/m/d, 65%, 3 years) for a joint research subject.

Here, the interaction of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes and their most important virulence factor with human endothelium will be analysed at the cell biological and biophysical level in the projects. One PhD student will be mainly responsible for the cell biology experiments at the BNITM, whereas the second doctoral student will be mainly responsible for carrying out the biophysical experiments at the FZB. Both PhD students will work hand in hand and must be proficient in all techniques to perform extensive experiments together.

Your Profile:

• Diploma/master degree or equivalent in life sciences (Biophysics, Biology, Chemistry etc.)
• Interest in infection biology and parasitology
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
• Ability to work independently and to develop creative work

Our Benefits:

• An interesting and challenging research project
• Integration into an open-minded, collaborative, and highly motivated research team
• A structured PhD training program and opportunities for further education and training
• Flexible and family-friendly working hours
• Childcare subsidy (BNITM), Childcare centre (FZB)
• Subsidy for HVV-ProfiTicket

Starting date is flexible in spring 2025. The positions are initially limited to 3 years.

The FZB and BNITM are certified for the „berufundfamilie“ audit and specifically promote the compatibility of career and family. The under-represented gender is given special consideration while maintaining the same professional and personal aptitude. Severely handicapped persons with otherwise equal aptitude are also given preferential consideration. For more information about our certifications, please visit our homepage.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Iris Bruchhaus on or Prof. Dr. Thomas Gutsmann on Please send your application with the usual documents up to 21.03.2025 to our website

For us, your age, gender and sexual identity, your world view, your ethnicity or a handicap are not important. We are solely interested in your knowledge and skills and your ability to work in a team. If attractive work content and a solution-oriented approach are more important to you than formalities, you are in the right place!

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