Better together. For life. At the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), we are committed to excellence in research, education, and comprehensive healthcare across our clinics. Every day, our team of approximately 16,100 dedicated employees works to make the world a healthier place. Our goal is to be one of the leading university hospitals while also being the best employer in our industry. At UKE, we believe that meaningful and successful work should align with our employees' personal needs and individual lifestyles. Just as diverse as these needs are, so too is the variety of personalized solutions we offer. Welcome to the UKE. Within the Institute of Molecular Virology and Tumor Virology, we are looking for a dedicated scientist in the fields of virology, cell biology, biomedicine, molecular medicine, human biology, or biochemistry for a PhD thesis. This project is embedded within the DZIF-German Center for Infection Research, thematic translational unit (TTU) Infection of the Immunocompromised Host. It contributes to the TTU’s overarching goal of developing, applying, and providing human organoid, tissue-based and advanced cell co-culture tissue systems as infection models to evaluate compounds with antiviral activity. The project focusses on opportunistic infections caused by clinically relevant herpes- and polyomaviruses. By applying cutting-edge human organoid models, we aim to dissect the lytic and persistent infection of these viruses with a focus on BK-Polyomavirus and kidney diseases. Your Tasks: Conduct and analyze complex experimental studies using 2D and 3D cell culture models, e.g. human organoids Apply and develop cutting-edge techniques in virology, cell biology, molecular biology Establish and maintain collaborative projects within the TTU Infection of the Immunocompromised Host and with further collaborators Present research findings at internal events as well as national and international conferences This position is to be filled on a fixed-term basis at a rate of 65% of full time weekly working hours and is limited for 3 years in accordance with the WissZeitVG. Completed scientific studies (Master of Science degree) in virology, immunology, cell biology, biomedical sciences, molecular medicine, human biology, biochemistry, or a related life science field Hands-on experience or strong interests in cell culture models, organoids, confocal microscopy, high throughput sequencing technologies, bioinformatic analyses Strong interest in interdisciplinary cooperation within a big consortium, as well as with collaborators internationally Good communication skills Proficiency in written and spoken English Immunity status Please note that employment is contingent upon proof of immunization or immunity against the measles virus, in accordance with applicable legal and medical requirements. Documentation (e.g., vaccination certificate) must be provided before employment begins. Structured doctoral training in the Leibniz Center for Infection Graduate School and graduate programs at the UKE Attractive compensation according to TVöD/VKA Secure employment with meaningful work and respectful collaboration Comprehensive onboarding and open knowledge exchange within the team Extensive training and further education programs at our UKE Academy for Education and Careers Opportunities to contribute to our “UKE INside” personnel policy through cross-professional and cross-hierarchical projects Sustainable travel: subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket, and Dr. Bike bicycle service Family-friendly working environment: cooperation on childcare, free vacation childcare, advice for employees with relatives in need of care Excellent health, wellness, and sports programs A wide range of dining options in our staff restaurant, with additional choices available at the “Health Kitchen” cafés, bistros, and an on-site supermarket