We are looking to support our rapidly growing team as soon as possible: PhD student (f/m/x) in Translational Viral Immunology

Department I of Internal Medicine - Division of Infectious Diseases

TV-L: 25 h/week (64,94%)
Fixed-term contract for three years pursuant to the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG) (third-party funded project)
Your salary will be based on TV-L

Your tasks

You will independently plan and execute a translational PhD project with direct clinical relevance. Your responsibilities include: 
• Detection, analysis, and functional characterization of HIV-1 envelope sequences
• In vitro and in vivo testing of HIV-1 antibody sensitivity
• Analysis of HIV-1 sequence diversity and viral antibody resistance mechanisms
• Assessment of the impact of resistance-associated mutations on viral fitness
• Establishment and performance of immunological and virological assays, including:
• Primary cell work and cell culture
• Virus cultures
• PCR, cloning, and molecular biology techniques
• Flow cytometry, ELISA, immunohistochemistry
• Analysis of large viral sequence and phenotypic datasets
• Presentation of results at internal meetings and national and international conferences
• Preparation of manuscripts with the goal of publishing in high-impact international journals

Division of Infectious Diseases – Department I of Internal Medicine 
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student (f/m/x) with a strong interest in immunology, virology, and infectious diseases to join our Emmy Noether–funded translational research group. The project focuses on characterizing viral antibody resistance mechanisms in people living with HIV, combining patient-derived data with state-of-the-art experimental and computational approaches.

Your profile

You are an enthusiastic early-career scientist with a strong academic background and curiosity-driven mindset: 
• Excellent Master’s or Diploma degree in life sciences, medicine, or a related field
• Solid knowledge of immunology, virology, molecular biology, or related disciplines
• Strong scientific motivation and independence
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team
• Excellent English skills (spoken and written); German is desirable but not required

Please submit your application including: 
• Detailed CV
• List of publications (if applicable)
• Contact details of two references
• Brief description of your research interests

Our offer

• We offer a highly clinically relevant translational research project in a young research group and a stimulating and internationally highly competitive environment
• Freedom and the support to design, implement, and direct own research projects and strong promotion of professional development
• Full access to state-of-the-art technology platforms and facilities to carry out cutting edge translational research
• A constantly growing group of highly motivated researchers
• A wide range of advanced techniques in the field of molecular and cellular biology, virology, infectious diseases, and immunology
• Flexible working time models to support family life

Your future with us

We are one of the leading university hospitals in Germany and network research, teaching and health care at the highest level. That's why many things are a lot bigger for us: the spectrum of exciting development opportunities. The limitless openness with which specialists from all over the world work together here. Or our commitment as an employer to support all employees as best we can in reconciling their job with their goals and life situations.
This is the University Hospital of Cologne: Everything but ordinary.

Your future in detail

The translational research group is led by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Dr. Philipp Schommers, MD/PhD and is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) through the Emmy Noether Programme. The group is located at the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne(CMMC) on the central campus of the University Hospital Cologne.
Our research aims to develop novel experimental and computational approaches to detect and understand antibody resistance in HIV-1–infected individuals. This work will contribute to improved prediction of HIV-1 antibody sensitivity and inform future strategies for HIV treatment and prevention. The successful candidate will work in a highly innovative, interdisciplinary, and international environment, with the opportunity to drive collaborations with leading national and international partners.
For more information, please visit:  https://www.schommers-lab.cmmc-uni-koeln.de
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.

Contact

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Dr. Philipp Schommers
Tel: +49 221 478-89659
Universitätsklinikum Köln AöR
Geschäftsbereich Personal
Kerpener Str. 62
50937 Köln

Uniklinik Köln Karriere Application deadline:  8 March 2026
Job-ID: th3ql2f6
We look forward to receiving your application and getting to know you!