Research Associate Pre Doctoral Position in Virology and Mucus Barrier Research

The collaborative project ONEMUC – Respiratory Mucus as a One Health Interface – investigates how the composition and structure of mucosal barriers (mucus) influence the zoonotic transmission of influenza A viruses between animals and humans. The aim is to identify key molecular and ecological factors that determine whether viruses are intercepted or transmitted at the mucus barrier. ONEMUC thus makes an important contribution to a better understanding of zoonotic infections and to the development of new strategies for prevention and risk assessment in the One Health context.
The sub-project conducted at the Free University of Berlin focuses on the role of respiratory mucus as an antiviral barrier, particularly the interaction of influenza viruses with defined mucus components. Mucus samples from various hosts (human, pig, bird) as well as from human cohorts exposed to different air qualities are analyzed biochemically and biophysically.
Through this work, FU Berlin is making an important contribution to the understanding of mucus-mediated antiviral defense mechanisms and opening up new starting points for preventive strategies to reduce the risks of zoonotic transmission.

Responsibilities include:
– Chromatographic purification of mucins of various origins using FPLC
– Development of standardized protocols for the purification and storage of mucins
– Enzymatic fragmentation of mucins to create fragment libraries
– Binding studies of mucins and their fragments to various influenza A viruses using microscale thermophoresis (MST) and solid-phase binding assays
– Inhibition studies to evaluate how mucins and their fragments block the binding of influenza viruses to cell membranes.

Requirements:
Completed academic university degree in biochemistry or pharmacy (M.Sc. or Diploma) or equivalent.

Desired qualifications:
– Very good to good university degree
– More than basic experience in the purification of mucins using chromatographic methods
– Knowledge of and initial practical experience with binding studies using biophysical techniques (e.g., SPR, MST, BLI)
– Knowledge of and initial practical experience in working with viruses (titration, propagation)
– High motivation for independent scientific work, ability to work efficiently under time pressure
– Teamwork skills as well as corresponding social and communication skills
– Very good English skills.

Further information can be obtained from Ms. Silke Benndorf ( s.benndorf@fu-berlin.de / +49 30 83864398).

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. Daniel Lauster: s.benndorf@fu-berlin.de  or by post to:

Freie Universität Berlin,
Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy,
Institute of Pharmacy,
Lauster Research Group,
Prof. Dr. Daniel Lauster,
Altensteinstr. 23a,
14195 Berlin (Dahlem), Germany.

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