PhD Researcher (f/m/x) in Environmental Immunology

PhD Researcher (f/m/x) in Environmental Immunology

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) is a leading international competence centre for environmental sciences, part of the Helmholtz Association. Our mission seeks a balance between social development and long‑term protection of natural resources.

Job Description

The One Health Platform seeks a PhD researcher for the Joint Research Project “Early‑Life Environmental Exposures, Microbiome, and Immune Development: A One Health Perspective on Viral Infections in Children.” The project uses the birth cohort LiNA with extensive longitudinal data and biosamples from pregnancy to adolescence. You will mainly work on Subproject 1, which investigates how environmental chemical exposure affects the immune response to SARS‑CoV‑2.

• Epidemiological analysis of cohort data
• Immune phenotyping of cohort blood samples
• In‑vitro assays with human immune cells and chemicals
• Implementation of analytical techniques, e.g., multiparameter flow cytometry
• Publication and presentation of scientific results

Requirements

• Successfully completed university degree (Diploma/M.Sc./comparable) in life sciences, biology or a comparable field
• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• Extensive laboratory experience, especially with flow cytometry
• Ability to work in an international team, strong communication skills, high motivation
• Proficient in R software
• Experience with publication and presentation of scientific results

Benefits

• Excellent supervision through the HIGRADE graduate programme
• Freedom to master demanding challenges between basic research and practical application
• Opportunity to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a wide range of perspectives
• First‑class integration into national and international research networks
• Excellent research infrastructure and research data management
• Wide range of options for balancing childcare responsibilities and work through our family office
• Support and advice for international colleagues from the International Office
• Vibrant workplace in Leipzig with high quality of life and cultural diversity
• Mentoring programme/coaching, company events, cafeteria (Kantine)

Employment Details

Place of work: Leipzig

Working time: 65 % (25.35 h / week)

Contract: limited contract, 3 years

Salary: Remuneration according to the TVöD public‑sector up to pay grade 13, including public‑sector social security benefits.

The UFZ has a strong commitment to diversity and actively supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual identity. We look forward to applications from open‑minded people who enjoy working in diverse teams.