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We are looking to support our rapidly growing team as soon as possible: Postdoctoral research position (f/m/x) in translational viral immunity

Institute of Virology - Laboratory of Experimental lmmunology
TV-L: 38,5 h/week (100%)
limited for 3 years according to WissZeitVG within the framework of a third-party funded project
Your salary will be based on TV-L EG 13

Your tasks

• Design and execute research studies for the ERC Synergy Grant-funded research project “CoEvolve”, investigating the co-evolution of viruses and human immune responses with a focus on influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2
• Investigate antibody and B-cell repertoire dynamics and their interaction with evolving viral populations using state-of-the-art experimental approaches
• Develop, optimize, and implement advanced high-throughput binding and neutralization assays for the characterization of viral variants and humoral immune responses
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental and computational datasets in close collaboration with interdisciplinary consortium partners
• Contribute to the development of predictive and data-driven models of viral evolution, immune escape, and vaccination strategies
• Supervise and support PhD students, technical staff, and junior researchers within the project environment
• Present scientific findings at international conferences and contribute to high-impact scientific publications and collaborative grant activities
• Actively participate in interdisciplinary and international collaborations across the CoEvolve consortium

Your profile

• You hold a PhD, M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. degree with highest honors in molecular biology, virology, immunology, or equivalent with very strong publication record
• Strong scientific background and proven research experience in immunology, virology, antibody biology, viral evolution, or related areas
• High-level expertise in modern molecular, cellular, and immunological techniques (e.g. cell culture, neutralization assays, flow cytometry, sequencing technologies, antibody characterization, or high-throughput screening approaches)
• Exceptional scientific curiosity and enthusiasm for translational and interdisciplinary research
• Independent, structured, and solution-oriented working style with high scientific standards
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills in an international research environment
• Very good English language skills, both written and spoken

Our offer

• Participation in a highly modern and internationally connected ERC-funded research consortium with strong scientific and societal relevance
• An excellent scientific environment within an interdisciplinary team spanning immunology, virology, bioinformatics, and translational medicine
• Access to state-of-the-art technologies and laboratory infrastructure within the “Translational Research for Infectious Diseases and Oncology (TRIO)” research center
• Close interaction with internationally leading scientists and consortium partners
• Opportunities to supervise junior researchers and contribute to the scientific development of the research group
• Participation in national and international conferences as well as support for scientific publications and career development
• Challenging and diverse responsibilities with a high degree of independence and scientific freedom
• For further information, please visit www.klein-lab.de

Your future with us

We are one of the leading university hospitals in Germany and network research, teaching and health care at the highest level. That's why many things are a lot bigger for us: the spectrum of exciting development opportunities. The limitless openness with which specialists from all over the world work together here. Or our commitment as an employer to support all employees as best we can in reconciling their job with their goals and life situations.
This is the University Hospital of Cologne: Everything but ordinary.

Your future in detail

We are a dedicated translational research group focused on understanding the fundamentals of human immune responses to viral pathogens and on developing novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. A major focus of our work is the investigation of humoral immune responses against rapidly evolving RNA viruses such as influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2, as well as the development of innovative experimental and data-driven approaches to predict viral evolution.
The PostDoc project is part of the “CoEvolve” research consortium, funded by the European Union through an ERC Synergy Grant. The goal of the project is to better understand and predict the co-evolution of viruses and human immune responses in order to improve future vaccines and therapeutic strategies. A central question of the project is how viruses evade immune responses and how the human immune system simultaneously adapts to newly emerging viral variants.
Your work will directly contribute to a deeper understanding of virus–immune system interactions and support the long-term development of improved strategies for predicting viral evolution and designing more effective vaccines.
Applications from female candidates are expressly welcome and will be given priority in the event of equal suitability, competence and professional performance. People with disabilities are welcome to apply and will be treated preferentially in the event of equal suitability and qualification. The position is suitable for staffing with part-time employees.

Contact

Tina Bresser
Tel: +49 221 478-85869
Universitätsklinikum Köln AöR
Geschäftsbereich Personal
Kerpener Str. 62
50937 Köln

Uniklinik Köln Karriere Application deadline: July 19, 2026
Job-ID: ouo1ntyu
We look forward to receiving your application and getting to know you!