Master Thesis - Virus-Immunology

The Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV) is committed to research on the biology of different human viruses as well as the pathogenesis of viral diseases. The LIV offers the opportunity to perform cutting-edge research in a world-class research environment with excellent technical facilities.

The department ‘‘Virus Immunology‘‘ (Head: Prof. Marcus Altfeld) at the Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology in Hamburg is opening a call for Applications for a Master Thesis project on the topic "Antiviral Strategy to combat Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection".

While a prophylactic vaccine against hepatitis B has been available for years, >250 million people are currently chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that causes more than 800.000 death per year. The high numbers of infected people and mortality rate of HBV-associated diseases are mostly due to an insufficient vaccination rate worldwide and the lack of efficient antiviral treatment to fully eliminate the virus. Besides the development of efficient vaccines and virus-targeting drugs, the identification of host cell factors that are required for the successful HBV replication process might offer a toolbox of potential antivirals for host-directed therapy. Since only a few antiviral drugs are licensed and available for the treatment of HBV (most are Reverse-Transcription Inhibitors), the acquisition of resistance to direct-acting antivirals (called antigenic drift) poses problems that require novel solutions. Thus, identifying new druggable host-cell factors might constitute a promising approach to reduce to risk of newly emerged resistant viruses. The projects aims to identify those important host-cell factors that can accelerate the development of new antiviral drugs against HBV.

We are looking for a highly motivated and team-oriented master student in Molecular Life Sciences, Molecular Biology or a related field with interest in virology to pursue a master thesis and investigate the aforementioned research topic. We expect at least 10 months of laboratory research time fully dedicated to project.

Applications should include a CV and a motivation letter. Please submit you application by April 1^st, 2023, via E-Mail to Sebastian Schloer (Sebastian.Schloer(at)leibniz-liv.de)

Late applications will be considered until the position is filled.

The LIV promotes the professional equality between all genders. Handicapped applicants with equal qualifications will be given preferential treatment.

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