Job Description

Better together. For life.

At the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), we are committed to excellence in research, education, and comprehensive healthcare across our clinics. Every day, our team of approximately 16,100 dedicated employees works to make the world a healthier place. Our goal is to be one of the leading university hospitals while also being the best employer in our industry.




At UKE, we believe that meaningful and successful work should align with our employees' personal needs and individual lifestyles. Just as diverse as these needs are, so too is the variety of personalized solutions we offer.

Welcome to the UKE.

Junior Research Group Leader (all genders) – Emerging Viruses

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Job-ID:

J000005880

Contract Type:

Temporary

Employment Type:

Full time/ Part time

Closing Date:

28.02.2026

Organization:

UKE_Zentrum für Innere Medizin

Category:

Research & Science

Department:

Institut für Infektionsforschung und Impfstoffentwicklung

Main tasks

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About CRC1648

CRC1648 focuses on

scientific preparedness for emerging viral infections

that pose major threats to global health, such as

Ebola, MERS, Lassa fever

,

pandemic influenza

and others. The consortium aims to address key knowledge gaps in four major research areas in the context of emerging virus research:

Pathogenesis

– mechanisms of viral disease

Target Characterization

– identification of viral and host molecules critical for infection

Immunity

– understanding immune defense and immunopathology in viral infections

Intervention

– development of antiviral and vaccine strategies




By integrating

cellular, structural, computational, and chemical biology

, CRC1648 combines basic and translational research to develop innovative approaches for combating current and future viral outbreaks, including as-yet-unknown pathogens (“

Disease X

”).



For more information about CRC1648 please visit our website

UKE - CRC1648

Position Description:

The Junior Research Group Leader will conduct

independent research projects

aligned with the overarching themes of CRC1648. The successful candidate will establish their own research group and contribute to the collaborative and interdisciplinary environment of the CRC1648.



The group will be fully integrated into the CRC1648 network, benefitting from shared infrastructure, core facilities, and extensive scientific exchange. Active participation in CRC1648 meetings, training activities, and joint research initiatives is expected.

Your Tasks:

Establish and lead a

Junior Research Group

focusing on emerging viruses Contribute to the

pandemic preparedness framework

of CRC1648 Introduce

innovative techniques or model systems

that advance CRC1648 research Collaborate with CRC1648 members and contribute to joint research projects




The position offers competitive funding for three years for personnel and consumables. The Junior Research Group Leader will potentially have the opportunity to apply as a

project leader

in the next CRC1648 funding period starting in summer 2028, provided that the candidate demonstrates the requisite scientific competitiveness.

Your Profile

----------------

Doctoral degree (PhD or MD/PhD) in

biology, biochemistry, human biology

, or a related field; alternatively, an

MD degree

with a strong

clinician scientist

background Fulfillment of the

DFG criteria for early career researchers

Proven research excellence and a

strong publication record

as first or senior author Demonstrated ability for

independent research and project management

High motivation to pursue a successful scientific career in

basic or translational research

Commitment to

collaboration

within the CRC1648 and contribution to its interdisciplinary goals



An early career scientist is defined as someone who has not completed their doctoral degree more than

eight years ago

(the year of the oral examination is decisive). Maternity and parental leave (to be specified in research profiles) extend this period by two years for each child, up to a maximum of 12 years.

Application Documents

Please submit a

single PDF file

including:


Cover letter outlining your research vision and motivation (max. 2 pages) Curriculum vitae including a publication list (preferably in DFG format) Summary of previous research achievements (max. 2 pages) Short project proposal (max. 3 pages) aligned with CRC1648 themes Contact details for

three references

Immunity status

-------------------

Please note that employment is contingent upon proof of immunization or immunity against the measles virus, in accordance with applicable legal and medical requirements. Documentation (e.g., vaccination certificate) must be provided before employment begins.

Our Offer

-------------

Attractive compensation according to

TVöD/VKA / TV-Ärzte/VKA

Secure employment with meaningful work and respectful collaboration Comprehensive onboarding and open knowledge exchange within the team Extensive training and further education programs at our

UKE Academy for Education and Careers

Opportunities to contribute to our “UKE INside” personnel policy through cross-professional and cross-hierarchical projects Sustainable travel: subsidies for the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket, and Dr. Bike bicycle service Family-friendly working environment: cooperation on childcare, free vacation childcare, advice for employees with relatives in need of care Excellent health, wellness, and sports programs A wide range of dining options in our staff restaurant, with additional choices available at the “Health Kitchen” cafés, bistros, and an on-site supermarket

Contact

-----------

Contact to the department

-----------------------------


###

Dr. Susanne Ziegler

coordinator of the CRC1648

crc1648@uke.de

Recruiting contact

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###

Recruiting Team

+49 (0) 40 7410-52599

About us

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We live diversity and value variety

We offer a work environment that provides equal opportunities regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, disability, ethnic and social origin, or religion. This is confirmed by our accession to the Charter of Diversity. We explicitly aim to increase the proportion of women in management positions, especially among scientific personnel in research and teaching. Women with equal qualifications will be given priority. The same applies in the case of under-representation of one gender in the advertised area. Persons with severe disabilities with equal aptitude, competence, and professional performance will be given priority.

Apply Now

Employer

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Erstes gesamtzertifiziertes Universitätsklinikum Deutschlands