Postdoctoral Researcher position – study of ticks and tick-borne pathogens

The Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine is seeking to fill a position as a research associate (postdoctoral lecturing qualification) within the framework of an international research project on the development of innovative in vitro methods for the study of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. The project encompasses the development of artificial tick feeding systems, novel screening methods for the identification of acaricides, and in vitro models for investigating the transmission of tick-borne pathogens.

Job description:
Independent management of a research project for the development and optimization of artificial tick feeding systems; development, establishment and validation of in vitro models for investigating the transmission of tick-borne pathogens; conducting molecular biological, microbiological and parasitological investigations (including qPCR, cell culture, microbiological analyses); planning, execution and evaluation of scientific experiments including statistical data analysis; collaboration in the preparation of scientific publications and project reports; close cooperation with national and international project partners from science and industry.

Requirements for employment:
Completed university degree in veterinary medicine, biology (Master’s), biotechnology (Master’s) or a related natural science field; completed doctorate (PhD/Dr. med. vet. /Dr. rer. nat. or equivalent) in a relevant field.

(Professional) experience:
Experience in planning and conducting scientific research projects; Practical experience with molecular biological methods and cell culture techniques; Experience in evaluating scientific data and writing English-language publications; very good written and spoken English skills.

Desired qualifications:
Research experience in the fields of parasitology, vector biology, microbiology, or infection biology; experience handling ticks or other blood-sucking arthropods; knowledge of artificial feeding systems, vector-host-pathogen interactions, or in vitro infection models; experience with statistical data analysis (e.g., R) and/or bioinformatics; interest in developing innovative in vitro methods and artificial tick feeding systems, taking into account the 3Rs principle (Replace, Reduce, Refine); independent, structured, and team-oriented work style; strong communication skills and willingness to collaborate in an international and interdisciplinary research team; good German language skills or the willingness to acquire them quickly.

Further information

Applications, including relevant documents and quoting the reference number , should be submitted electronically in PDF format (preferably as a single document) via email to Prof. Dr. Ard Nijhof: ard.nijhof@fu-berlin.de or by post to the address below.

Free University of Berlin

Department of Veterinary Medicine

Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine

Professor Dr. Ard Nijhof

Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7

House 35, 14163 Berlin (Düppel)

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