Research assistant (postdoc) (m/f/d) full-time job job limited to 5 years salary grade (Entgelt[...]

The scientific interest of the Institute of Immunology is the interaction between the immune system and infectious agents. Within the group of pathogens, we focus on infections with parasitic worms. Our research concentrates on immune mechanisms that enable the parasites to survive chronically in infected hosts. The long-term goal is to understand the chronic survival of parasitic worms in their hosts and to develop intervention strategies against these widespread infectious agents of humans and animals.

Within the group of pathogens, we focus on infections with parasitic worms. Our research concentrates on immune mechanisms that enable the parasites to survive chronically in infected hosts. The long-term goal is to understand the chronic survival of parasitic worms in their hosts and to develop intervention strategies against these widespread infectious agents of humans and animals.

Job Description

Within the framework of the Research Training Group (RTG) 3096 “One Health Approach to Soil-Transmitted Helminths” we are hiring a postdoc responsible for a longitudinal field study in Bungoma County, Kenya and supporting the RTG 3096 PhD projects during their short-time stays in Kenya.

The field study comprises sampling and analyses of stool and blood of school going children in Bungoma County. Parasitological fecal sample analyses in cooperation with KEMRI Global Health in Kisumu. Immunological blood sample analyses in cooperation with the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, Kilifi via Flow Cytometry, Fluorospot, ELISPOT, ELISA, antibody serology and Multiplex-qPCR.

The postdoc will reside half a year in Berlin, Germany, and half a year in Kenya. In addition, local travel by car in Kenya (different schools, different authorities, different scientific institutes) is necessary. The postdoc will be principal investigator of the ethical approval. In addition, communication with study subjects, local school staff and headteachers, local social workers and authorities are within the scope of responsibilities. Further, the postdoc will co-supervise two RTG 3096-associated PhD students who will primarily work in Kenya (Nairobi, Kilifi).

Requirements

• Completed doctorate (Dr. med. vet., Dr. rer. nat., Ph.D. or similar)

Desirable

• excellent knowledge of the English language – written and oral
• extensive knowledge in Parasitology (specifically helminths) and Immunology corresponding to the above-mentioned methods
• Driving license
• Language skills of the local language Kiswahili
• ideally knowledge of Kenyan authorities, transport system and local environment
• Knowledge in microbiology methods
• good communication skills for interacting with local Kenyan people and authorities
• excellent skills to work independently

Further Information about RTG 3096: (

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