The University Hospital Bonn (UKB) is a maximum care hospital with more than 1,300 beds. Our more than 9,000 employees take on tasks in research, teaching and patient care as well as in public health at the highest level. In the science ranking (LOMV) and in the economic result, the UKB is number 1 of the university hospitals in NRW and in 2021 had the third-highest case mix index of the university hospitals in Germany.

PhD Position – Virology and Infection Biology (m/f/d)

The Institute of Virology, in the research group of Prof. Hendrik Streeck at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), Faculty of Medicine, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, invites applications for a:

PhD Position (m/f/d)

Project: Ongoing HIV Protein Production as a Driver of Immune Activation in ART-treated Individuals

The position is funded for 3 years (65% TV-L E13), starting on January 1st, 2026, within the framework of the TTU HIV program of the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF).

Project Description

Although modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively suppress HIV replication to undetectable levels, many people living with HIV (PLWH) continue to experience persistent immune activation and inflammation. These chronic immune disturbances are associated with an increased risk of non-AIDS-related comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive disorders, and accelerated aging. The exact mechanisms driving this residual immune activation remain poorly understood. Recent findings suggest that ongoing production of viral proteins—particularly the capsid protein p24—even in the absence of detectable viral RNA, may play a crucial role in sustaining this immune activation. In this project, we investigate the hypothesis that ultra-low levels of the HIV p24 protein, measurable using an ultrasensitive single-molecule assay, are a key driver of ongoing immune responses in ART-treated individuals. Data from our group shows that approximately 30-40% of PLWH with long-term viral suppression still have detectable plasma p24 levels in ultra-low concentrations. This project will combine advanced immunological assays (e.g., flow cytometry, AIM assay, cytokine profiling), viral outgrowth assays, HIV integration site analysis and determination of HIV clonality in HIV-infected cells to understand the mechanistic link between low-level protein expression and immune activation.

Your Tasks:

• Perform and analyze multiparametric flow cytometry-based immune profiling
• Conduct functional T cell assays (e.g., AIM, polyfunctionality assays)
• Analyze low-level protein expression in plasma (SIMOA/ELISA)
• Perform HIV outgrowth assays
• Investigate HIV integration sites in relation to p24 expression
• Collaborate closely with national partners within the DZIF network
• Prepare data for publications and presentations

Your Profile:

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in immunology, biology, molecular biology, or a related field
• Prior experience with flow cytometry, immunological assays, or molecular biology techniques is an advantage
• Prior experience with Python and R programming is considered an asset
• Highly motivated, team-oriented, and well-organized
• Good English communication skills (spoken and written)

We Offer:

• A 3-year PhD position (65% TV-L E13) with strong mentoring and integration into a high-profile research network (DZIF)
• An interdisciplinary research environment at one of Germany’s top universities
• Opportunities for collaboration with clinical partners and participation in international conferences
• Access to cutting-edge technologies (e.g., SIMOA, multicolor flow cytometry)
• A structured PhD training program and career development support
• Responsible and versatile: a job with a lot of creative freedom in a collegial team
• Secure in the future: fee according to TV-L
• Flexible for families: flexible working time models, the option of a place in the company daycare center and offers for those returning from parental leave
• Provision for later: company pension scheme
• Clever to work: possibility of an interest-free loan to buy an e-bike
• Tailor-made education: subsidized further education and training
• Systematic start: structured induction
• Healthy at work: numerous health promotion offers, free membership in UKBfit
• Employer benefits: preferential offers for employees (corporate benefits)

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and equal opportunities. Our goal is to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented and to particularly promote their careers. We, therefore, urge relevantly qualified women to apply. Applications are treated in accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act. Applications from suitable people with proven severe disabilities and those of equal status are particularly welcome.

Application Details

Applications should include:

• A motivation letter
• CV
• Copies of relevant academic certificates
• Names and contact information of two academic references

Please send your application by email, with the subject "PhD Application - HIV p24", no later than October 1st, 2025, to:

Dr. Enrico Richter

Institute of Virology

University Hospital Bonn

Email: [email protected]