Postdoc (f/m/x) – Investigation of the immune modulation and pathophysiology of Long-COVID

Postdoc (f/m/x) – Investigation of the immune modulation and pathophysiology of Long-COVID 102595

• Full time
  39 hrs./week
• Neuherberg near Munich

We are Helmholtz Munich. In a rapidly changing world, we discover breakthrough solutions for better health.

Our research is focused within the areas of metabolic health/diabetes, environmental health, molecular targets and therapies, cell programming and repair, bioengineering, and computational health. We particularly excel in the fields of basic research, bioengineering, artificial intelligence, and technological development.

Through this research, we build the foundations for medical innovation. Together with our partners, we seek to accelerate the transfer of our research, so that laboratory ideas can reach society and improve people’s quality of life at the fastest rate possible.

This is what drives us. Why not join us and make a difference?

The Institute of Virology (VIRO) focuses on experimental approaches to combat human pathogens, including SARS-Coronavirus-2 (SARSCoV-2), which causes COVID-19 and Long-COVID. A significant proportion of Long-COVID patients exhibit postinfectious dysregulation of various immunoregulatory signalling pathways, metabolism and the innate immune system. It is still largely unknown which underlying host-pathogen interactions and immunological factors influence the course and lasting, partly devastating effects of Long-COVID that can occur after a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

We are aiming to better understand the pathophysiology of tissue and immune system alterations in patients with Long-COVID. By using modern technologies and preclinical models we will establish predictive systems and mechanistic principles in order to gain a better understanding of Long-COVID, to ultimately identify and characterise novel molecular targets and enable targeted diagnostic and therapeutic options to treat patients with Long-COVID.

Our team at VIRO consists of 5 research groups with international members and is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/x) to join our team to analyse host-pathogen interactions and immunomodulatory processes that contribute to the pathomechanisms of Long-COVID. The advertised position is to be filled from March 2025 at the earliest and is initially limited to 2 years.

Your tasks

• Further developing and implementing preclinical SARS-CoV-2 infection models for the investigation of Long-COVID in a BSL-3 laboratory
• Applying molecular biological methods to investigate relevant inflammatory and cell death-specific immune processes
• Carrying out in-depth tissue and cell analysis procedures using cell sorting, flow cytometry and imaging analyses
• Preparing tissue and cell samples for collaborative analysis
• Management of data output
• Supervision of other team members and collaborative projects

Your profile

• PhD in natural sciences (e.g. biology, biochemistry, biomedicine or similar) or completed medical degree
• Experience in the analysis of inflammatory signalling pathways (and cell death mechanisms)
• Experience with cell culture, mouse and infection models as well as molecular biological methods
• Ability to plan, prioritise and implement tasks independently, especially in an intercultural team environment with different requirements
• Excellent communication skills in English

Desirable qualifications:

• Prior experience in working within biosafety level 3 areas

Benefits

• Career Development: Postdoc program, scientific training & career center with tailored offers
• Recreation: 30 days annual leave, flexi days, plus public holidays
• International Staff Service: Support with the relocation and integration process in Germany
• Health Promotion: Sports, company doctor, mental health initiatives
• Scientific Resources: State-of-the-art infrastructure and Core Facilities
• Retirement Provision: Company pension plan

If you fulfil all the requirements, you may be eligible for a salary grade of up to E 13. Social benefits are based on the Collective Wage Agreement for Public-Sector Employees (TVöD). The position has an (initial) fixed term of 2 years but may be extended under certain circumstances.

We are committed to promoting a culture of diversity and welcome applications from talented people regardless of gender, cultural background, nationality, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical abilities, religion or age. Qualified applicants with physical disabilities will be given preference.
If you have obtained a university degree abroad, we will require further documents from you regarding the comparability of your degree. Please request the Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications as early as possible.

Interested in applying?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Gregor Ebert, , who will be happy to help.

Your application should include:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Contact details for at least two referees

Application deadline: 31.01.2025

Online application

Helmholtz Munich
Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH)
Institute of Virology
Ingoldstädter Landstraße 1
85764 Neuherberg

#J-18808-Ljbffr