PhD Student (m/f/d) - 65 % EG 13 TV-AVH - Arbovirus Ecology group

Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM, is the largest Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Germany and a member of the Leibniz Research Association, the National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, and a WHO Collaborating Centre.

Arbovirus Ecology group led by Dr. Renke Lühken at BNITM in Hamburg is looking for a highly motivated PhD Student (m/f/d).

PhD Students (m/f/d) – 65 % EG 13 TV‑AVH

The work includes laboratory and field experiments with living mosquitoes, followed by insect identification using stereomicroscopes, the application of imaging techniques and molecular analysis. The data obtained will be subjected to statistical analysis and prepared for scientific publication. The project will be carried out within an international team of scientists.

Your Profile:

• Completed master’s degree or equivalent in ecology, biology, or a related field
• Willingness to conduct regular fieldwork trips in Germany
• Driver’s license (class B) required
• Practical experience in ecological experiments (e.g. field or semi-field studies) required
• Practical experience in entomology, molecular biological techniques and statistical analysis (e.g. using R) is an advantage
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
• Proficiency in German is an advantage
• Interest to supervise and train students at the bachelor and master level
• Ability to work and communicate in a team

We offer:

• An interesting and challenging research project with an applied focus
• Integration into an open-minded, collaborative, and highly motivated research team
• A structured PhD training program and opportunities for further education and training
• A chance to participate in national and international conferences
• Flexible and family-friendly working hours
• 30 vacation days per year
• Childcare subsidy
• Subsidy for HVV‑ProfiTicket as “Deutschlandticket” (Basic)
• A central location at the Landungsbrücken, easily accessible by public transport
• Company pension scheme

Starting date: May 1 2026. The position is initially limited to 36 months and under the TV‑AVH collective agreement of the “Arbeitsrechtliche Vereinigung Hamburg”.

We support our employees in achieving a work‑life balance and promote professional equality of women, men, and non‑binary people. We strive to assist women in their scientific career, increase the number of women in research and reduce under‑representation in all areas and positions. We explicitly welcome applications from people with disabilities.

As a member of the Diversity Charter, the largest diversity management network in Germany, we commit to making diversity an integral part of our institute culture and to create a working environment that is free of prejudice.

Please apply by preferably via our online form with a motivation letter, CV, high school and university certificates and, if available, contact information of references. Alternatively, you can submit your application referring to “PhD Arbovirus Ecology” via postal mail to: Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, HR Department, Bernhard-Nocht‑Str. 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany. For any questions about the application process or selection procedure, please contact Jeannette Meurer from the HR Department ( ).

For further questions, please contact Dr. Felix Sauer ( , phone: +49 40  ).