Institute of Virology - Laboratory of Experimental lmmunology We are a dedicated translational research group focused on understanding the fundamentals of human immune responses to viral pathogens and on developing novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Our work combines cutting-edge immunology, virology, antibody engineering, and translational research approaches to address clinically relevant questions in viral infections. This PhD project focuses on the investigation of AAV-based strategies to effectively target HIV-1 using broadly neutralizing antibodies. A central goal of the project is to develop novel approaches for enabling in vivo expression of bNAb combinations that overcome limitations of AAV packaging capacity. The project will involve the design and detailed characterization of multispecific bNAb-derived constructs, the in vivo validation of AAV-mediated protein expression, and the analysis of antiviral activity as well as viral evolution in HIV-1-infected humanized mouse models. The successful candidate will work in a highly collaborative environment with access to state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure and clinical research networks. Your work will contribute to a deeper understanding of antibody activity against HIV-1 as well as viral escape mechanisms, and support the development of innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies. Applications from female candidates are expressly welcome and will be given priority in the event of equal suitability, competence and professional performance. People with disabilities are welcome to apply and will be treated preferentially in the event of equal suitability and qualification. TV-L: 25 h/week (64,94%) Fixed-term employment for 3 years under the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG) for the purpose of pursuing a doctoral degree (PhD) Your salary will be based on TV-L Contribute to research projects investigating broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) to effectively target HIV-1 in vivo Design and evaluate AAV-based gene vector strategies for in vivo delivery of bNAb combination therapy Establish multispecific antibody-derived protein constructs to target the HIV-1 envelope protein Investigate bNAb expression, antibody-mediated virus neutralization in vitro and in vivo, and pathways of viral immune escape Plan, perform, and analyze experiments under scientific supervision using state-of-the-art approaches in immunology, virology, and molecular biology Establish, optimize, and apply immunological and virological assays, including cell culture, flow cytometry, ELISA, neutralization assays, molecular cloning, and next-generation sequencing Perform experiments using infectious viral material in vitro and in vivo (humanized mice) in biosafety level S3 environments Collaborate with national and international research partners in an interdisciplinary research environment Present research findings at scientific meetings and conferences, and prepare scientific manuscripts Maintain detailed experimental records and ensure high standards of scientific quality, reproducibility, and documentation Excellent university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in biology, biomedicine, immunology, virology, molecular medicine, or a related life science discipline Strong interest in translational research at the interface of immunology, virology, and infectious diseases Hands-on experience with immunological and molecular biology methods (e.g., cell culture, flow cytometry, ELISA, PCR, cloning, or sequencing technologies) as well as experience working with small animal models are advantageous Willingness to conduct experiments using HIV-1-infected humanized mouse models (existing FELASA certification is beneficial) Prior experience in virology, antibody research, B cell biology, or HIV research is beneficial but not required Independent, structured, and detail-oriented approach to scientific work based on high person...