The department Viral Immunology led by Prof. Dr. Luka Cicin-Sain, at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in Braunschweig, is offering the position of a PhD position (f/m/d).

The Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH (HZI) is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres, the largest scientific organization in Germany. At HZI, researchers focus on developing strategies to improve the fight against infectious diseases. Their aim is to create new methods for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious compounds by studying both bacterial and viral pathogens and their interactions with the immune system, while also investigating new compounds with potential therapeutic effects.

The department VIRI studies viral infections in animal models and in models of primary human cell infections to develop innovative vaccination and immunotherapeutic strategies

Project description:

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the leading infection cause of congenital disease worldwide, but a vaccine against CMV is not available. Your project shall focus on studies of humoral and T-cell responses to CMV infection in animal models and in human cell culture systems, to identify key determinants of protection against CMV infection and disease and develop innovative vaccine concepts. You will use state of the art virus mutagenesis, real-time imaging of virus infection dynamics, multiparametric flow-cytometry and single-cell transcriptomics to identify and optimize highly innovative antiviral vaccine concepts in collaboration with leading international laboratories.

The department of Viral Immunology at HZI Braunschweig site is a leading lab in the field of vaccinology in general and CMV immunology in particular. You will join a dynamic and motivated group of young experts, under the direct supervision of Prof. Cicin-Sain, the head of the Department and the Speaker of the Vaccine Section of the German Immunological Society. 

Requirements: 

• Master’s Degree/Diploma in  Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Medicine, or a related field of the life sciences
• Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken)
• Ability to work independently and as part of an international team
• Ideally, a background in virology or immunology, but candidates with expertise in genetics, flow-cytometry, microscopy or animal models of infection will be considered
• A strong interest in adaptive immunity of viral infections

We offer:

• Modern laboratories, incl. BSL3Bi
• State-of-the-art analytical instrumentation (spectral analyzer, sorting facility, single cell genomics pipelines)
• Ample biological profiling platforms (in vitro and in vivo)
• A lively scientific community and a corporate culture of appreciation & promotion of equal opportunities
• Flexible working hours, part-time models
• 30 days of vacation
• Social security included
• DO IT- PhD initiative
• Welcome Office
• Buddy System for new doctoral researchers
• Family Office, Child Holiday Care
• One of the strongest research region in Europe
• Central location within Germany, various metropolitan areas (i.e. Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Hannover) and recreational areas (i.e. Harz, Lüneburg Heath, North Sea) can be reached very quickly and easily by Train – it is also close to the airport Hannover.

The successful candidate will be part of the HZI | HZI Graduate School which provides an innovative structured PhD programme within the field of Infection Research.

People with severe disabilities and equivalent professional qualifications who are suitable for the position are given preference. In order to protect your rights, we ask you to provide us with a clearly recognizable reference to the existence of a degree of severe disability in your cover letter or resume. 

The HZI is actively committed to equality, diversity and integration. For this reason, the HZI pursues the goal of professional equality between women and men. The position is suitable for part-time work.

Starting date: 01.02.2026 - Initial contract for 3 years

Salary: alike TVöD E13 (65%)

Probation period: 6 months

Working hours: 19,5 hours per week

Place of work: Braunschweig

For more details regarding the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Luka Cicin-Sain via e-mail: Luka.Cicin-Sain at helmholtz-hzi.de.

How to apply: 

When sending us your application documents, please confirm that you have read our privacy policy and that you agree to the processing of your personal data. Please use the text module in our privacy policy for this purpose. Without these declarations we cannot consider or process your application and will immediately delete any application documents already received after the application deadline.

Please include a cover letter, resume, (employment) references, certificates, and (if available) work samples or reference projects with your application materials. Please refrain from sending a photo.

Please send your complete application, quoting the reference number 127/2025, to the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH, Human Resources Department, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany or by e-mail. If you send your application in electronic form, please provide a summary in one single (1) pdf document.

We look forward to receiving your application!