PHD STUDENT POSITION IN VIROLOGY
Standort: Vienna
Art: Vollzeit
Firma: Medical University of Vienna
Eingetragen am: 2019-01-30
Kontakt:
Beschreibung:

PhD student position in virology

 

An opportunity exists for a PhD student to undertake a thesis on human cytomegalovirus research at the Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna.

 

Project description:

The aim of our research is to enlighten the biological properties of the different HCMV strains that circulate in the human population. HCMV is outstanding in its adaptation to the human host since lifelong persistence after infection seems to cause (almost) no harm as long as the host possesses a functioning immune system. Interference of this well-balanced virus-host interaction, however, may cause severe illness as shown for immunosuppressed or immune-naive individuals. Remarkably, HCMV-specific immunity does not protect from reinfections with further HCMV strains which eventually leads to a complex HCMV strain population remaining collectively in its host. The project will focus on this intra-host HCMV strain complexity with the aim to reveal within-host HCMV evolution and to understand the biological consequences of HCMV strain mixtures with regard to infection and disease.

The PhD student will have the unique opportunity to analyse HCMV strains directly from clinical material in combination with in vitro experiments to associate HCMV strain properties with clinical outcome. This position will involve a broad range of cell culture techniques, FACS analysis, molecular and biochemical assays, and a strong focus on novel sequencing-based approaches to analyse HCMV strain genomes.

 

What we offer:

Our Center for Virology offers an inspiring scientific environment consisting of molecular and clinical virologists who cover a broad range of basic, translational and clinical virus research. All students and scientists benefit from excellent state-of-the-art facilities and regularly held Lab Meetings and Center Seminars for fruitful scientific discussions. The doctoral candidate shall compose the thesis project within the PhD Programme N094 at MedUni Vienna which offers high-quality lectures, seminars and instructional courses. The position enables the participation in a dynamic research group and opens up the opportunity to work together with national and international experts.

 

Qualifications:

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student from whom we expect a keen interest in molecular virology and virus genome evolution, and a high degree of scientific curiosity. Applicants should have an excellent background in molecular biology, very good experimental skills and should hold an MSc degree in molecular life sciences or in a related field.

 

Experience in next generation sequencing and bioinformatics will be an advantage.

 

Good communication skills in English (written and spoken) and the ability to work in a team are essential.

 

Conditions of appointment:

The successful candidate will receive funding for 3.5 years according to the salary scheme of the FWF.

 

Application details:

Motivated applicants are invited to submit a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, as well as names and contact information or reference letters of 2 referees. These documents should be sent as a single pdf file to Irene Görzer via E-mail: irene.goerzer@meduniwien.ac.at

Start date is from March 1st 2019. Review of applications will begin immediately, and will continue until the position is filled.

 

Irene Goerzer, PD, PhD

Center for Virology

Medical University of Vienna

Kinderspitalgasse 15

A-1090 Vienna, Austria

 

E-mail: irene.goerzer@meduniwien.ac.at

Phone: + 43-1-40160 65573

 

Anhang: hier