Postdoc (f/m/x) - Investigation of the immune modulation and pathophysiology of Long-COVID
Full time39 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 an 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 post-infectious dysregulation of various immunoregulatory signalling pathways, metabolism and the innate immune system. lt 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.
"We believe that excellent research requires a range of different perspectives. Diverse teams reach better solutions and are more innovative in their research topics.
Establishing our Diversity Management Strategy demonstrates our commitment to ensuring an appreciative company culture based on mutual respect. We are also implementing diversity-sensitive processes throughout our whole organization."
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
- Scientific Resources: State-of-the-art infrastruture and Core Facilities
- 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
Since 2005, we hold the TOTAL E-QUALITY award for exemplary action in the sense of an equal-opportunity organizational culture.
Helmholtz Munich is actively committed to diversity and inclusion in practice and is sustainably committed to equality.
The Diversity Charter has set itself the goal of promoting diversity in the world of work. By signing the charter, we commit ourselves to create an appreciative working environment for all employees.
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?
- CV
- Cover letter
- Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
- Contact details for at least two referees
