Postdoc Biology, Life Sciences - Virology, Metagenomics (m/f/d)

Beschreibung

Two job openings are available in the Research Group "Host Pathogen Interactions", and in section “Virus Safety" in the department Virology, respectively, at the next possible starting date:

Postdoctoral Scientists (m/f/d) in virology/metagenomics



About the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut

We are a senior federal authority responsible for vaccines and biomedicines that performs scientific research in the field of life sciences. Our institute networks with national and international players which makes it a competent partner for the general public, science, medicine, politics, and economics.About the projectThis project is part of a third-party funded research project on establishing an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted virus surveillance system using next-generation sequencing and metagenomics. Metagenomic high-throughput sequencing (mNGS) enables the discovery of new viruses in biological materials, such as in plasma pool products or tissue culture. Detection of blood-borne viral sequences in plasma pools could be an early and first indicator of a possible new viral threat. This allows continuous monitoring of known and unknown infection risks in a representative population cross-section. Another aspect is to identify the specific pattern of coding transcripts and specifically non-coding host RNAs (ncRNAs) in plasma and cell cultures using NGS/AI as a prospective biomarker for early detection of novel viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2.

The two postdocs (m/f/d) will perform the wet-lab responsibilities of the project in close contact to each other and in close collaboration with the genomics core facility and the bioinformatics core. The project will involve conducting viral infection experiments in biological containment facility S2 and S3, molecular biology techniques and preparation of samples for NGS sequencing. Your Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Viral infection experiments, preparation of samples
• Establishment of sensitive wet-lab protocols for mNGS/AI pipeline in collaboration with the genomics core facility
• Identification of known and unknown viral sequences and ncRNAs in collaboration with the bioinformatics core
• Successful publications
• Interaction and collaboration with other researchers#

Your Education and Experience

• A doctoral degree in biology, life science or related
• Hands on experience in cell culture, virology, molecular biology
• Skills and knowledge on metagenomics or NGS is a plus
• Knowledge in virus diagnostics
• Excellent communication skills in English and German
• Enthusiasm for Infectious Disease Research
• Exceptional motivation, a high degree of dedication and productivity
• Readiness to work and communicate in a collaborative, interdisciplinary and dynamic environment
• The ability to work independently as well as tenacity and curiosity in approaching challenges

Our Working ConditionsA multifaceted, and challenging position centrally located in the Rhine-Main area (Frankfurt) with good public transport connections. Being an employer in the German public service, we offer the usual social benefits.

The successful candidates (m/f/d) will be employed on a fixed-term contract until December 31, 2024. Part-time working is possible in principle. The payband is E14 TVöD Bund. The assignment to a payband is made based on the consideration of your individual professional experience. Disabled candidates will be given preference if their skills and qualifications are equivalent to those of non-disabled candidates. The Paul-Ehrlich-Institute encourages gender equality and life-work balance, especially in respect to the family. For this purpose, we have various employment models to offer including flexible working hours (part-time work, flexible working from home, teleworking, no core time), child care facilities and various opportunities for further professional training.