SCIENCE-JOBS-DE

PhD position in HIV research (Heidelberg) (Heidelberg, Germany)

The Department of Infectious Diseases, Integrative Virology, University of Heidelberg, Germany offers a position for a

PhD student

starting February/March 2016

in the laboratory of Prof. Dr. Oliver T. Fackler.

Project Title: Correlation of accessory protein function, virus replication and immune responses in HIV patients

Project leader: Prof. Dr. Oliver T. Fackler

Application Deadline: 10th January 2016

Start of PhD project: February/March 2016

Source of Funding: Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF)

Project Description:
Replication of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) in the infected host is optimized by accessory viral gene products that shape interactions of the virus with the immune system of the host. In a collaborative project with national and international partners, we will focus on the biological activities of the viral proteins Nef, Vpu and Vpr and their correlation to the clinical course of diseases. To this end, viral sequences will be amplified from patient samples, subcloned and functionally characterized for support of virus replication and evasion of host immune responses. Differences in protein function with relevant correlation to disease progression will be further investigated on the molecular level.
In the context of a structured international PhD graduate program we offer interesting research topics with biomedical relevance in a stimulating and interactive scientific environment at an internationally competitive level. The project is funded by the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF).

References:
Galaski et al. Acquir Immune Defic Syndr., 2015, [Epub ahead of print]
Chen et al. PLoS One. 2015 Mar 20;10(3):e0120434.

Methods that will be used:
Key approaches of this project will include bioinformatic sequence analysis, molecular biology techniques, the biochemical and microscopy-based quantification of protein function, as well as quantitative analyses of immune reactions. Most aspects of this study will include work with live infectious HIV-1 at the security level 3 and the use of primary HIV target cells.

Collaboration Partners:
National and international partners

Profile of candidate’s qualification:
The successful candidate should have a strong background and interest in virology and immunology, good organization skills, and a very high level of motivation to conduct creative and independent research.

Keywords:
HIV-1, accessory viral gene products, virus replication, evasion of immune response

Please send your application until January 10 by E-mail to
Prof. Dr. Oliver T. Fackler
Email:  oliver_fackler@med.uni-heidelberg.de
homepage: http://www.klinikum.uni-heidelberg.de/Fackler.6555.0.html

Prof. Dr. Oliver T. Fackler
oliver_fackler@med.uni-heidelberg.de
University Heidelberg
Heidelberg, Germany

Ansprechpartner: Oliver T. Fackler; oliver_fackler@med.uni-heidelberg.de