The UFZ

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) with its 1,100 employees has gained an excellent reputation as an international competence centre for environmental sciences. We are part of the largest scientific organisation in Germany, the Helmholtz association. Our mission: Our research seeks to find a balance between social development and the long-term protection of our natural resources.

PhD Researcher (f/m/x) in Environmental Immunology

The job:

The One Health Platform initiates Funding for the Joint Research Project “Early-Life Environmental Exposures, Microbiome, and Immune Development: A One Health Perspective on Viral Infections in Children” (coordination: Dr. Gunda Herberth/UFZ). The project is based on the well-characterised birth cohort LiNA with extensive longitudinal data and biosamples from pregnancy to adolescence. The four closely interlinked subprojects investigate environmentally associated effects on acute (measles, SARS-CoV-2) and persistent viral infections (Epstein-Barr virus), cellular immune mechanisms, microbiome-mediated immune modulation and long-term vaccine responses.

Subproject 1 investigates how environmental factors, in particular chemical exposure, affect the immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Specifically, it focuses on the cellular immune response in children from the birth cohort, aiming to identify chemicals that modulate the SARS-CoV-2 immune response and to validate the findings in in vitro tests. Harmonized data sets between the projects allow interdisciplinary collaboration linking virology, immunology and microbiome and environmental science to children’s health outcomes.

Your tasks:

Epidemiological analysis of cohort data

Immune phenotyping of cohort blood samples

In vitro assays with human immune cells and chemicals

Implementation of analytical techniques, e.g. multiparameter flow cytometry

Publication and presentation of scientific data

We offer:

Excellent supervision and optimal professional and interdisciplinary qualification through our HIGRADE graduate programme

The freedom to master even the most demanding challenges between basic research and practical application

The opportunity to work in interdisciplinary, international teams and benefit from a wide range of perspectives

Firstclass integration into national and international research networks to work together on global challenges

Excellent research infrastructure and research data management to optimally support your work

A wide range of options for balancing care responsibilities and work through our family office

Competent support and advice for international colleagues arriving at the UFZ from the ‘International Office’

Special annual payment, capital-forming benefits and subsidised Deutschland-Job-Ticket

A workplace in a vibrant region with a high life quality and social and cultural diversity

Your profile

Mandatory:

Successfully completed university degree (Diploma/M. Sc./comparable) in life sciences, biology or a comparable field

Excellent skills in written and spoken English

Extensive laboratory experience, especially with flow cytometry

Ability to work in an international team, strong communication skills, high motivation

Preferable:

Excellent skills with R software

Experience with publication and presentation of scientific results

Application deadline: 30.04.2026

Place of work: Leipzig

Working time: 65 % (25,35 h / week)

Contract limitations: limited contract / 3 years

Salary: Remuneration according to the TVöD public-sector up to pay grade 13 including attractive public-sector social security benefits.

Contact

Your contact for any questions you may have about the job:

Dr. Gunda Herberth

gunda.herberth@ufz.de

Your application

Please submit your application via our online portal with your cover letter, CV (please omit your photo, age, or marital status) and relevant attachments.

Diversity and Inclusion

The UFZ has a strong commitment to diversity and actively supports equal opportunities for all employees regardless of their origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual identity.

We look forward to applications from people who are open-minded and enjoy working in diverse teams.