PhD Position in Human Herpesvirus Antibody Responses | PhD Position (f/m/x)

Job Summary

This PhD position, based in Cologne, Germany, focuses on conducting in-depth mechanistic analyses of humoral immune responses against Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and related human herpesviruses. The successful candidate will isolate and characterize human monoclonal antibodies, engineer viral variants and antibody constructs to study viral entry and immune escape, and evaluate new antibody-derived therapeutic concepts. This role requires a Master’s degree in a life-science discipline such as biology, immunology, or virology, coupled with a strong motivation for molecular mechanisms of virus–host interactions. While prior experience in cell culture or molecular biology is advantageous, the position emphasizes the ability to plan, perform, and analyze experiments reliably and independently. The role offers a challenging, innovative environment within a leading university hospital, providing extensive training opportunities and a collaborative, interdisciplinary team setting for high-impact translational research.