Adresse
Form der ArbeitPost-doctoral scientist and Ph.D. student in Herpes Virology at the Julius Maximilians University (JMU) of Würzburg
Applications are invited for both postdoctoral and Ph.D. student positions funded by the European Research Council (ERC) to study the regulation of latency and virus reactivation of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) in the Dölken lab at the University of Würzburg in Germany.
Activities and responsibilities
The Dölken lab (https://www.virologie.uni-wuerzburg.de/virologie/ags-virologie/ag-doelken/research/) focuses on host cell modulation and immune evasion by HSV-1 and other herpesviruses. In the frame of the ERC Consolidator Award “HERPES” (Herpesvirus Effectors of RNA Synthesis, Processing, Export and Stability), we studied how HSV-1 manipulates the transcriptional machinery during productive infection. Supported by a second ERC Consolidator Award “DecipherHSV” (Deciphering cellular and viral determinants of lytic HSV-1 infection, latency and reactivation), we now aim to unravel new host determinants that govern HSV-1 latency and reactivation. We will combined time-resolved single cell RNA-seq (scSLAM-seq 1) with CRISPR/Cas9 to decipher the cellular and viral determinants of HSV-1 latency and reactivation 2 at single cell level. Furthermore, we will pioneer novel screening approaches using advanced reverse virus genetics to decipher the functional importance of cryptic viral genetic elements 3 in productive infection, latency and reactivation. Our long-term goal is to identify new cellular and viral targets for novel therapeutic interventions.
Qualification profile
What we are looking for: Candidates should have a strong interest in molecular biology and infection biology. Prior experience with mammalian tissue culture and standard molecular techniques, such as cloning, immunoblotting, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence, is expected. Knowledge regarding herpesvirus biology and immunology, CRISPR/Cas9 or single cell analyses would be appreciated. The successful candidate will have excellent communication and writing skills and a curiosity-driven attitude.
We offer
Work environment: The University of Würzburg is a leading institution in the Life-Sciences in Germany with a strong focus in infection biology and RNA biology of infection. It provides a structured and collaborative research environment for PhD students and postdocs to start a successful career in science.
The successful candidate will join a young and dynamic international team of dedicated scientists and will benefit from a highly collaborative environment and personalized training and support. We encourage all lab members to get involved in the supervision and guidance of Ph.D., master and bachelor students, in order to build personal teaching and leadership skills.
The GSLS (graduate School of Life Sciences) offers career development and a structured course system for PhD candidates. The positions are initially funded for a period of one year and will be extended in the case of a positive evaluation. The salary for this temporary position is commensurate with training and experience according to Collective Agreement for the Public Service of German Federal States TV-L. Female scientists are particularly encouraged to apply. Disabled applicants will be preferentially considered in case of equivalent qualification.
Application
Applications including cover letter, detailed CV, copies of certificates, description of their scientific background and contact information of two referees, should be sent as a single pdf file (no more than 10 MB) by 14.11.2022, via email to Lars.Doelken@uni-wuerzburg.de
References
1. Erhard, F.; …; Dölken, L.(2019). scSLAM-seq reveals core features of transcription dynamics in single cells, Nature, 571, 419–423, doi:10.1038/s41586-019-1369-y.
2. Hennig T, … ; Dölken L & Prusty BK (2022). Selective inhibition of miRNA processing by an herpesvirus-encoded miRNA; Nature, 605, pages 539–544; doi: 10.1038/s41586-022-04667-4
3. Whisnant, A.W.; … ; Dölken L.(2020). Integrative functional genomics decodes herpes simplex virus 1; Nature Communications,11, doi:10.1038/s41467-020-15992-5.
