Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H) is Germany’s first privately funded university. It was founded in 1982 and has since established itself as a leading educational institution in Germany. Today, the university employs more than 900 staff members, and a total of 3,700 students are enrolled in the Faculties of Health Sciences and of Economics and Social Sciences in Witten.
The Chair of Virology and Microbiology at Witten/Herdecke University at the Faculty of Health is member of the Department of Human Medicine. The research focus of Virology and Microbiology is in the fields of gene therapy using viral vectors and basic virology. To strengthen our team, we are seeking a PhD student (f/m/d) to join the Chair of Virology and Microbiology, starting September 1, 2026. The position (50%) is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and is initially limited to 2 years and can be extended to fulfil the PhD training.
This PhD project aims to advance our understanding of human adenovirus (HAdV) biology and develop next-generation viral vectors for gene therapy. Using our unique collection of more than 40 recombinant HAdV types and advanced viral engineering tools, the project will investigate how adenoviruses interact with blood and endothelial cells to better understand viral persistence, dissemination, and vector safety.
Another objective of this project is to evaluate a directed evolution (ADEVO) platform based on peptide-display libraries to identify fiber-modified adenoviruses with enhanced binding and uptake in target cells. Selected candidates will be converted into replication-deficient vectors and evaluated in primary 2D and 3D cell culture models.
The project combines molecular virology, viral vector engineering, and advanced cell culture systems, contributing to the development of safer and more effective gene therapy approaches.
If this opportunity aligns with your goals, please apply by July 21, 2026, exclusively online, including the standard application documents and your proposed start date.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Prof. Dr. Anja Ehrhardt
Chair of Virology and Microbiology
If you have any questions, please contact the office at 02303/926-272 or -273.
We explicitly live and promote the idea of diversity (www.uni-wh.de/diversity). We value the skills and special characteristics that our members contribute and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity. We actively strive to increase the proportion of women among our academic staff
