The Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) is a member institute of the Leibniz Association. With over 400 employees, it is Germany’s largest institution for research, patient care, and teaching in the field of tropical diseases and emerging infections.

Starting September 1^st 2026 the Department of Virology at the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) in Hamburg is seeking to fill a position as
 

 
for the “Lassavirus Immunology” postdoctoral group. The postdoctoral group focuses on the pathogenesis and treatment of tropical hemorrhagic fever viruses in model organisms and humans: (https://www.bnitm.de/forschung/forschungsgruppen/molekularbiologie-und-immunologie/abteilung-virologie/leibniz-junior-research-group-oestereich/).
 
Your responsibilities:

• Molecular biological, virological, and microbiological work (cell culture, in vitro assays, cloning, RT-PCR)

• Work with laboratory animals under biosafety levels 2, 3, and 4

• Immunological analysis of samples (ELISA, ELISpot, bead-based assays, microscopy, flow cytometry)

• Sharing knowledge with colleagues

 
Your profile:

• Completed training and several years of professional experience as a Technical Assistant (MTA, BTA) or Biology Laboratory Technician, or comparable qualifications

• Extensive experience with molecular biology methods

• Practical experience with animal testing methods is desirable

• Practical experience with immunological methods is desirable

• Willingness to perform laboratory work under biosafety levels 3 and 4

• Ability to work independently and with precision

• Team spirit and commitment to the research group and to working with our partners in Africa

• Willingness to undertake short-term research activities in Africa (approx. 4 weeks)

• Good command of German and English, both spoken and written

 
 We offer:

• An interesting and demanding position at a modern research institution

• Integration in an open-minded and a highly motivated team

• A diverse and fair working environment

• A central location at the Landungsbrücken, easily accessible by public transportation

• 30 days of vacation per year (from 2027 on: 31 days of vacation)

• Flexible and family-friendly working hours

• Childcare subsidy

• Subsidy for the HVV ProfiTicket as a „Deutschlandticket“ (Basic)

• Company pension plan

 
A successful security clearance (Ü2) in accordance with the Hamburg Security Clearance Act (HmbSÜGG) is mandatory for the advertised position. Applicants must be willing to undergo this process. Furthermore, good health is a prerequisite for employment.
 
The position is initially limited to 2 years and is compensated in accordance with the German salary rules of the public service under the TV-AVH (Collective Bargaining Agreement of the Hamburg Labor Law Association). An extension is intended.
 
We support the work-life balance and promote professional equality between women and men. We strive to increase qualification opportunities for women in research and to reduce gender underrepresentation in all areas and positions. Applicants with severe disability will be given preference if equally qualified.
 
Please apply by July 31^st, 2026, preferably in electronic form using the documents required in our online application form (cover letter, curriculum vitae, high school diploma or equivalent with transcript, references if applicable).
 
Alternatively, please send your documents by mail with the reference “Viro-TA” to:
Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, HR Department, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, 20359 Hamburg.
 
If you have any questions regarding the application process or selection procedure, please contact Ms. Sonja Plesse in the HR Department (sonja.plesse@bnitm.de).
 
For inquiries regarding the advertised position, please contact Dr. Lisa Oestereich (lisa.oestereich@bnitm.de, Tel. 040/285380-940).
 
www.bnitm.de/en