PhD Candidate in Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) and Tick Research
Join a translational research project investigating the spread of TBE viruses in nature through field and laboratory studies.
Best for:Best for qualified veterinarians with a strong interest in zoonotic diseases, field research, and molecular virology.
Overview
The Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP) is offering a PhD position within the Immunology, Infection, and Pandemic Research (IIP) division. The successful candidate will join the TAC-TICKS project, which focuses on understanding the transmission mechanisms of TBE viruses in natural environments. This role involves a combination of field-based tick collection and advanced laboratory analysis, including molecular biology and virology techniques. The position is conducted in close cooperation with the Institute for Infectious Medicine and Zoonoses at the LMU Munich Veterinary Faculty.
What you'll do
- Conduct field collection of ticks in natural TBE endemic areas.
- Process and analyze tick samples in the laboratory.
- Perform molecular biological testing to detect pathogens in tick samples.
- Cultivate TBE viruses using cell culture techniques, including in BSL-3 safety laboratories.
- Execute partial sequencing and sequence analysis of pathogen genomes.
- Perform ELISA assays to detect antibodies in human and animal blood samples.
- Conduct neutralization tests to detect neutralizing antibodies in high-containment laboratory settings.
Requirements
Degree required: Licensed Veterinarian (approbierte:r Tierärzt:in)
Degree offered: PhD
Language: German (professional proficiency required for clinical/field work)
Instruction: German
- Practical experience with classical virological methods such as virus isolation and cell culture.
- Proficiency in molecular biological techniques, specifically PCR and sequencing.
- Experience in handling ectoparasites, particularly tick collection.
- Valid Class B driver's license and willingness to perform field work.
- Documented TBE vaccination status.
- Must hold a veterinary license (approbierte:r Tierärzt:in).
- Must be willing to perform regular field work and sampling.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official Fraunhofer online portal. After submission, applicants will receive an automated confirmation of receipt.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Proof of veterinary license
Contact
Lidia Chitimia-Dobler· Supervisor
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