PhD Student MVI (m/f/d)
The Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (www.bnitm.de) 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 Mosquito-Virus-Interactions group of Prof Dr. Esther Schnettler at the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg is looking for a highly motivated
PhD Student (m/f/d)
The Mosquito-Virus-Interactions group of Prof Dr. Esther Schnettler at the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg is looking for a highly motivated
PhD Student (m/f/d)
to join our team and explore the fascinating biology of Mosquito-Virus interaction.
About the project:
Mosquito-borne viruses, for example, West Nile Virus (WNV), are an increasing public health threat in Europe (including Germany), driven by environmental change, like rising temperatures. Another important environmental factor that has been neglected until now is artificial light at night (ALAN). This project is part of a transdisciplinary research network investigating how these factors (ALAN and temperature) shape vector-borne disease dynamics.
Specifically, this subproject focuses on the native mosquito Culex pipiens and examines how ALAN and temperature influence diapause, behaviour, gene regulation, immune responses, and the potential for West Nile virus (WNV) transmission.
Using a combination of laboratory experiments and field validation, the project aims to link molecular mechanisms with ecological processes.
The findings will contribute to integrated risk assessment and support evidence-based prevention strategies within a One Health framework.
Specifically, this subproject focuses on the native mosquito Culex pipiens and examines how ALAN and temperature influence diapause, behaviour, gene regulation, immune responses, and the potential for West Nile virus (WNV) transmission.
Using a combination of laboratory experiments and field validation, the project aims to link molecular mechanisms with ecological processes.
The findings will contribute to integrated risk assessment and support evidence-based prevention strategies within a One Health framework.
What we offer:
The successful candidate will benefit from comprehensive training in molecular biology, vector biology, and arbovirology, with access to state-of-the-art high-containment laboratories and insectaries.
The successful candidate will be embedded in two complementary research environments at Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (Team Mosquito-Virus Interactions) and Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Team Vector Immunobiology), enabling close interaction with both teams and access to a broad range of expertise and infrastructure.
Through the LUMEN network, you will also engage with a wider interdisciplinary community, collaborating with ecologists, social scientists, and modellers.
Beyond technical training, you will benefit from a collaborative, international research setting, structured supervision across both institutes, and dedicated support through the BNITM graduate schools' training programme.
The successful candidate will be embedded in two complementary research environments at Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (Team Mosquito-Virus Interactions) and Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (Team Vector Immunobiology), enabling close interaction with both teams and access to a broad range of expertise and infrastructure.
Through the LUMEN network, you will also engage with a wider interdisciplinary community, collaborating with ecologists, social scientists, and modellers.
Beyond technical training, you will benefit from a collaborative, international research setting, structured supervision across both institutes, and dedicated support through the BNITM graduate schools' training programme.
Your Profile:
- Master's degree or equivalent in life sciences
- Solid background in molecular biology and handling viruses and/ or mosquitoes
- Interest in vector-borne viruses
- Excellent teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Independent, creative, and motivated working style
Our benefits:
- An exciting and meaningful research project with global health relevance
- State-of-the-art facilities and interdisciplinary training
- Integration into an open-minded, supportive, and highly motivated research environment
- A structured PhD training program and opportunities for further education and training
- Opportunities to present your work at national and international conferences
- Central, easily accessible location in Hamburg (close to Landungsbrücken)
- Flexible and family-friendly working hours
- Childcare subsidy
- Subsidised job ticket Deutschlandticket (BASIC)
- Company pension scheme
We support our employees in achieving a healthy work-life balance and promote the professional equality of women and men. We strive to assist women in their scientific careers, increase the number of women in research and reduce under-representation in all areas and positions in general. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference when equally qualified.
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.
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 05.07.2026 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_MVI" via postal mail to: Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Ms. Katja Bünger, HR Department, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.
Alternatively, you can submit your application referring to "PhD_MVI" via postal mail to: Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Ms. Katja Bünger, HR Department, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.
If you have any questions regarding the application process or the selection procedure, please contact Ms. Katja Bünger (katja.buenger@bnitm.de) from the Human Resources Department.
For further questions please contact Prof Dr. Esther Schnettler (esther.schnettler@bnitm.de).
Interesse geweckt?
