Research Associate (PhD candidate) in Immunogenetics/Evolutionary Genetics § 28 Subsection 1 HmbHG

Research Associate (PhD candidate) in Immunogenetics / Evolutionary Genetics 28 Subsection 1 HmbHG

Institution Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Institute of Animal Cell and Systems Biology

Salary level

Start date 01.10.24 or later (flexible), the initial fixed term is three years. (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG ).

Application deadline 25.08.2024

Scope of work part-time

Weekly hours 50 % of standard work hours per week

Your responsibilities

Research associates will be expected primarily to teach and conduct research. The research associate will also have the opportunity to pursue further academic qualifications, in particular a doctoral dissertation.

At least one-third of set working hours will be made available for the research associate’s own academic work.

This is a PhD position, intended to pursue doctoral studies in full-time with the goal to obtain a doctoral degree in natural sciences ( Dr.

rer nat.’). The position is located in the Department of Evolutionary Immunogenomics, and the successful candidate will be supervised and mentored by Prof. Tobias Lenz.

The department s primary research focus is the study of genetic variability in the adaptive immune system of vertebrates and its importance for disease susceptibility and co-evolution between hosts and their parasites.

Special attention is given to important molecular and genetic components in the antigen-specific immune response (MHC / HLA, antigens, T cell receptors).

The two main host model systems used in the department are humans and three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus).

We use both experimental and molecular approaches (mainly with sticklebacks), and computational approaches (with both human and stickleback data) to improve our understanding of antigen-specific immunity and its role in complex diseases and fitness.

The successful candidate will develop their own doctoral research projects within this context, under the guidance of their mentor.

Several project ideas are available and can be tailored to the candidate’s interest and experience.

The working language of the department is English.

See the departments website for more information :

The current teaching load for this position is 2 LVS, and can be fulfilled by assisting in courses taught by the department.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

The successful candidate is expected to have a solid background in biology, especially molecular biology / genetics, and a good understanding of and strong interest in evolutionary biology.

Some prior exposure to immunology and experience with (bio)statistics, computational work and genomic analyses is desirable.

Fluency in English is expected.

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Prof. Tobias Lenz is a certfied supervisor and has participated in several supervision workshops. He promotes a constructive and appreciative work environment and supervision.

The Institute of Animal Cell and Systems Biology is located on the central main campus of University of Hamburg and offers a direct immersion in student and academic life in Hamburg.

It is very easy to reach by public transportation. The city of Hamburg as the second largest city in Germany offers a wide range of cultural and entertainment activities.

Universität Hamburg University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us.

Our guiding principle Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world.

We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg promotes equal opportunity. As men are currently underrepresented in this job category at University of Hamburg according to the evaluation conducted under the Hamburg act on gender equality (Hamburgisches Gleichstellungsgesetz, HambGleiG), we encourage men to apply for this position.

Equally qualified and suitable male applicants will receive preference.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.