The Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM, www.bnitm.de/en) is the largest Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Germany and member of the Leibniz Research Association, the National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, and a WHO Collaborating Centre.
The Department of Virology at the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) in Hamburg invites for a full-time position starting as of 1st May 2026 for the role of:
Technical assistant for sequencing laboratory (m/f/d)
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate interested in supporting the implementation of laboratory capacity building program in the African context with experience in sequencing, diagnostics and molecular biology. You will be based in Hamburg and travel to Sub-Saharan Africa. Remuneration is in accordance with the collective agreement of the Arbeitsrechtlichen Vereinigung Hamburg e. V (TV-AVH). The position is financed by third-party funds and is initially limited to 31st December 2028. The candidate will work under the supervision of the project team lead and be part of a multidisciplinary team.
The Department of Virology at the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) in Hamburg invites for a full-time position starting as of 1st May 2026 for the role of:
Technical assistant for sequencing laboratory (m/f/d)
- EG 9b TV-AVH -
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate interested in supporting the implementation of laboratory capacity building program in the African context with experience in sequencing, diagnostics and molecular biology. You will be based in Hamburg and travel to Sub-Saharan Africa. Remuneration is in accordance with the collective agreement of the Arbeitsrechtlichen Vereinigung Hamburg e. V (TV-AVH). The position is financed by third-party funds and is initially limited to 31st December 2028. The candidate will work under the supervision of the project team lead and be part of a multidisciplinary team.
Your Tasks:
- Support and strengthen existing nanopore next generation sequencing (NGS) capacities in Guinea and Nigeria
- Management of project-related material stocks, support in procurement, purchasing, and international shipment of laboratory reagents and equipment to partner countries
- Contribute to the development, revision, and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Technical assistance for hands-on trainings in both French and English for laboratory staff with varying levels of expertise
- Perform site visits (e.g. Guinea, Nigeria) to support training, troubleshooting, and implementation of new laboratory processes
- Quality control of sequencing analysis data
Your Profile:
- Completed training as an MTA, BTA or biology laboratory or equivalent education including BSc in Virology, Life Sciences, Biology or any other related field
- Work experience in diagnostics laboratory, preferably in virology is a plus
- Experience in sequencing techniques is required, preferably nanopore sequencing
- Experience in working in resource-limited settings and/or in the field is an asset
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work and communicate effectively in a multi-disciplinary and multi-national team and with external collaborators
- Willingness and fitness to travel and stay in Sub-Saharan Africa or for missions (support in capacity building and outbreak responses)
- Good oral and written communication skills in German, English and French is required
Our benefits:
- An interesting and challenging job in a modern research institution
- Integration into an open-minded and motivated team
- A central location at the Landungsbrücken, easily accessible by public transport
- 30 days holidays per year
- Flexible and family-friendly working hours
- Subsidy for childcare
- Subsidy for HVV-ProfiTicket as “Deutschlandticket” (Basic)
- Company pension scheme
- Opportunities for further education and training
We support our employees in achieving a work-life balance and promote the professional equality of women and men. We strive to assist women in their scientific career, increase the number of women in research and reduce under-representation in all areas and positions in general. We explicitly welcome applications from people with disabilities.
As a member of the Diversity Charter, the largest diversity management network in Germany, we are also committed to making diversity an integral part of our institute culture. It is our goal to create a working environment that is free of prejudice.
Please apply by 16.03.2026 preferably online with the required documents (cover letter, CV, high school certificates with grades, if applicable references) via our online form.
Alternatively, you may apply by postal mail referring to "Lab-technician-VIRO" to:
Bernhard-Nocht-Institut für Tropenmedizin, HR Department, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.
Bernhard-Nocht-Institut für Tropenmedizin, HR Department, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, 20359 Hamburg, Germany.
If you have any questions regarding the formal application process or the selection procedure, please contact Ms. Jeannette Meurer from the HR Department (meurer@bnitm.de).
For further questions please contact Dr. Christine Jacobsen (christine.jacobsen@bnitm.de, phone: +49 40 285380 932), Department of Virology.
For further questions please contact Dr. Christine Jacobsen (christine.jacobsen@bnitm.de, phone: +49 40 285380 932), Department of Virology.
