PhD Student (m/f/d)

 



The Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) is the largest Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Germany and is the National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, a WHO Collaborating Centre and member of the Leibniz Research Association.
 
The laboratory group led by Dr. Anna Bachmann at the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg is looking for a highly motivated
   
Despite decades of malaria research, it remains unclear how Plasmodium falciparum parasites evade immune recognition in chronic human infections without exhausting their repertoire of antigenic variants. This PhD project aims to address this fundamental question by combining cutting-edge parasite genomics and transcriptomics with cellular and immunological analyses of clinical samples from a unique cohort of individuals with asymptomatic and symptomatic malaria. The successful candidate will characterize parasite populations using state-of-the-art molecular and cellular approaches, including single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing and long-read genome sequencing. These analyses will be integrated with host humoral and cellular immune responses to identify parasite strategies that promote long-term persistence in the human host. This DZIF-funded project is embedded in a multicenter observational study investigating the prevalence of imported P. falciparum infections and will be conducted in close collaboration with leading national and international experts in malaria genomics, transcriptomics, and humoral and cellular immunology.
 
Your Profile: 

• Completed master's degree or equivalent in life sciences
• Background and practical experience in molecular biology and cell culture
• Knowledge of immunology is an advantage
• Motivation to learn new methods
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
• Enthusiasm, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset
• Strong team spirit and communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Detailed documentation of experiments and presentation of results

 
What we offer:

• An interesting and challenging research project with a translational focus
• Comprehensive training in a vibrant scientific environment and using state-of-the-art instrumentation
• Integration into an open-minded, collaborative, and highly motivated research team
• A structured PhD training program and opportunities for further education and training
• Opportunities to attend and present your research at national and international conferences
• A centrally located workplace at the Landungsbrücken (nice view from the lab!), easily accessible by public transport
• Flexible, family-friendly working hours
• 30 days of annual leave
• Childcare subsidy
• Subsidy for HVV-ProfiTicket as "Deutschlandticket" (Basic)
• Company pension scheme

 
Starting date will be October 1^st, 2026, or later. The position is initially limited to 36 months and is remunerated with 65% E 13 TV-AVH according to the rules of the public service under the TV-AVH (collective agreement of the "Arbeitsrechtliche Vereinigung Hamburg").

We support our employees in achieving a work-life balance and promote the 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 in general. We explicitly welcome applications from people with disabilities.
 
As a member of the Diversity Charter, the largest diversity management network in Germany, we are also committed to making diversity an integral part of our institute culture. It is our goal to create a working environment that is free of prejudice.

Please apply by August 13^th , 2026 preferably via our online form with a motivation letter, CV, high school and university certificates and the names and contact information of two references.

Alternatively, you can submit your application referring to "PhD LG Bachmann" via postal mail to: Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, HR Department, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.

If you have any questions regarding the formal application process or the selection procedure, please contact Ms. Sonja Plesse from the HR Department (sonja.plesse@bnitm.de).
 
For further questions please contact Dr. Anna Bachmann (bachmann@bnitm.de, phone: +49 40 285380-439) or visit the group's homepage:
(https://www.bnitm.de/forschung/forschungsgruppen/pathogen/abteilung-zellulaere-parasitologie/laborgruppe-bachmann).
 
www.bnitm.de/en