SCIENCE-JOBS-DE

Open position for a PhD student (m/f) or Postdoc (m/f) on the function of Norovirus non-structural proteins (Heidelberg)

Department Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology,
University of Heidelberg, Germany

Research Team Volker Lohmann

The position is open from October 1st, 2017


The Project:
Positive-strand RNA viruses induce membrane alterations harboring the viral replication complexes. In the case of human noroviruses (huNoV), the major cause of acute viral gastroenteritis, these are induced by the ORF1 polyprotein, which is post-translationally processed into the functional nonstructural (NS) proteins. Partly due to the lack of efficient cell culture models, little is known so far about Membrane alterations induced by huNoV belonging to the most clinically relevant genogroup II, genotype 4 (GII.4), nor about the function of individual NS proteins in their formation. We have generated an expression model for ORF1 proteins of GII.4 and individual NS proteins in cells to study their contribution to viral replication complex formation.
Expression of ORF1 proteins of GII.4 induced ultrastructural changes comparable to those found in infected cells. We further found that NS1-2, NS3 and NS4 are individually inducing specific Membrane alterations and developed models of their structural organization.

The project aims at an understanding of the precise functions of human norovirus NS-proteins in the biogenesis of the viral replication organelle and their potential use as a target for antiviral therapy. This will include expression of mutant proteins and analysis of their subcellular localization by microscopy/EM, biochemical analysis of protein-protein interactions and studies on viral replication using murine norovirus as a surrogate model.

The successful candidate for this position should have expertise in theory and practice in cell biology and with imaging methods, ideally also in virology. Experience in working with EM and electron tomography is an advantage.


Required Qualifications:
- MSc degree in Biomedical or Molecular Sciences, Biochemistry,
  Biology or related study (to be obtained before employment) or a PhD
  (Postdoc)
- Experience with molecular, biochemical and cell biological
  techniques, particularly microscopy
- Strong interest and ideally experience in microscopy, virology and
  cell biology


Contact & Application
Applications must comprise a detailed CV, a description of Research experience including applied methodologies and an abstract of the Master thesis/PhD thesis and a list of three references with complete contact details.

Applications should be sent to Volker Lohmann: volker.lohmann@med.uni-heidelberg.de


We stand for equal opportunities. People with disabilities are given priority with the same suitability. The university hospital aims at a general increase in the proportion of women in all areas and positions where women are underrepresented. Qualified women are therefore particularly encouraged to apply.

Volker Lohmann
volker.lohmann@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Department Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University of Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg