Research Assistant (Doctoral Researcher/PhD)

in the research group “Extracellular vesicles in virus infection” (Prof. Dr. Janis Müller). The third-party funded position is offered for a period of 3 years, if no former times of qualification must be considered. The starting date is as soon as possible. The position is part-time (65% of regular working hours) with salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the state Hesse, Germany (TV-H E 13, 65 %). 

We are seeking a PhD candidate with strong scientific curiosity and a keen interest in infection biology and immunology to investigate how extracellular vesicles (EVs) influence antiviral immunity and disease severity. 

Although EVs are key mediators of intercellular communication in health and disease, it remains unresolved to what extent they support antiviral defense or contribute to immunopathology. This project addresses this question in the context of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) infection. Disease severity in CCHF is driven by immune dysregulation, yet the role of EVs in shaping viral control, inflammatory responses, and long-term immunity is largely unknown. 

To dissect these mechanisms, the PhD candidate will work with patient-derived samples, apply state-of-the-art EV profiling and perform infection experiments in BSL-2 and BSL-4 laboratories. 

The project is part of an international collaboration and aims to define mechanistic links between extracellular and cellular immune responses, identify correlates of protection versus severe disease, and evaluate EV-based biomarkers with translational potential.

Tasks:

• Perform infection experiments with emerging viruses under BSL-2 and BSL-4 conditions
• Isolate, purify and characterize EVs from patient samples (TFF, BE-SEC, NTA, western blot)
• Conduct EV profiling (flow cytometry, nanoflow cytometry, proteomics)
• Analyze antiviral activity of EVs via ELISA, flow cytometry and confocal microscopy
• Independently design and execute experiments, and analyze complex datasets
• Establish and develop EV SOPs and contribute to student supervision 

The position is limited to a time period deemed adequate for the completion of a doctoral degree. As part of the assigned duties, there will be ample opportunity to conduct the independent scientific research necessary for the completion of a doctorate. The limitation complies with Section 2 (1) of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG).

Profile:

• MSc degree or equivalent in molecular life sciences, biochemistry, immunology or related fields
• Solid hands-on experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques
• Experience working with infectious viruses (BSL-2 or higher)
• Knowledge and experience in the isolation and analysis of EVs including tangential flow filtration or chromatography (FPLC/HPLC) is highly desirable
• Experience in flow cytometry and/or omics data analysis is a plus
• Excellent written and spoken English 

Disposition to own scientific qualification is expected. 

We actively support the professional development of junior researchers by the offers of Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office and the Higher Education Didactics Office.

We offer:

• Access to BSL-4 high-containment facilities and training in infection research
• Structured supervision, international collaborations and strong publication potential
• Opportunities for conference travel and active engagement with the EV and virology research community

We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, female applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. As a certified family-friendly university, we support our employees in balancing family and career. A reduction of working time is possible. Applicants with a disability as discribed in SGB IX (§ 2 Abs. 2, 3) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.

Please apply (letter of motivation, CV, degree certificates and transcripts) by 15 March 2026 using the application button below.