Doctoral candidate 8
Elucidating the role of host lipoprotein receptors in alphavirus infections
About MERIT
MERIT (MEtabolic Reprogramming in viral pathogenesis: from Infection to Therapeutic innovations) is an EU-funded MSCA training programme aimed at better understanding how viruses affect the human body. Coordinated by Dr. Adithya Sridhar, Assistant Professor, and Prof. Dr. Dasja Pajkrt, Professor of Pediatric Infectious diseases, from the OrganoVIR Labs at Amsterdam UMC (location AMC), this project brings together 7 academic institutions and 12 associated partners from across Europe.
Within MERIT, researchers will take a new, holistic approach that focuses on infections and host metabolism to unravel virus-induced metabolic reprogramming and its impact on human health. The project’s objective lies in understanding the complex interplay between viruses and host cells, focusing on metabolic reprogramming, and long-term consequences of infection. This will be achieved by combining three methodological pillars: human organoids, integrative and spatial omics, and advanced microscopy.
Background of project
Alphaviruses, such as Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) and Sindbis virus (SINV), are mosquito-borne zoonotic viruses that can disseminate to the CNS. These viruses use lipoprotein receptors for entry, but the specificity of receptor usage across different tissues remains unclear. Given the crucial role of lipids and lipoprotein receptors in cellular metabolism, this project aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between alphavirus infection and lipid metabolism in CNS models. By employing CRISPR/Cas9 knockout technology and advanced organoid systems, this doctoral project will map lipid receptor expression, determine lipid receptor roles in viral entry and mitochondrial dysfunction (with UMC Amsterdam collaborators), and explore potential antiviral strategies targeting these receptors.
Job description
At the Medical University of Innsbruck, MERIT is looking for a Doctoral Candidate (DC) to work on Work Package 1. As DC8, your objectives are:
To map the expression of lipoprotein receptors in lung and CNS cell types by single-cell sequencing and imaging
To elucidate the role of lipoprotein receptors in alphavirus lung and CNS infection in complex organoids
To determine cell type-specific roles of lipoprotein receptors and alternative entry receptors
To evaluate if lipid receptor blocking agents (monoclonal antibodies) can inhibit alphavirus neuro-infection.
You will be guided during your research project by Prof. Dr. Gisa Gerold, Prof. Dr. Zlatko Trajanoski, and Dr. Janine Kimpel. You can apply for this position until 30 October 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
Requirements
Master's degree in biomedical sciences, biochemistry, infection research or related fields,
Experience working with mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, and bioinformatics are preferred,
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (minimum C1/C2 CEFR level),
An interest in working in a multidisciplinary research group,
Have not resided/carried out work or studies in the Austria for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before 1 April 2027.
What we offer
A contract with the Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI) for 30 hours per week for 3 years,
The opportunity to work on an interdisciplinary project with motivated colleagues from all over the world,
Planned secondments at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) & University of Oslo (UiO),
Training in safety and biosecurity aligned with international best practices. You will be trained in hazard identification, containment, incident reporting, and dual-use/gain-of-function issues,
An opportunity to take part in a tailor-made pre-MBA programme to develop entrepreneurial and commercial skills and other network-wide training opportunities including conferences and courses, a Personal Development Plan, non-academic coaching, and workshops on topics including ethics and sustainability and AI/LLM,
Gross annual salary € 40,279.05 plus monthly infection allowance € 73.49. This amount may be increased on the basis of the provisions of the collective agreement by the crediting of previous work-specific experience as well as by other remuneration components associated with the special features of the job. The writing of a dissertation is an essential content of this employment relationship,
The Medical University Innsbruck offers employee benefits including subsidized public transport tickets, occupational health services, sports activities, subsidized cultural activities, value vouchers, and more: https://www.i-med.ac.at/en/karriere/benefits.
About the host institution
The Medical University of Innsbruck houses the university hospital and the medical faculty of the Medical University, as well as several research institutes.
The Institute of Virology Innsbruck (IVI) is uniquely housing both the clinical diagnostics unit and several research groups covering basic virology, clinical virology and applied virology. It is affiliated with the Comprehensive Center for Infection, Immunity and Transplantation (CIIT) and a member of the Global Virus Network.
IVI has access to various advanced facilities including level 3, state-of-the-art molecular biology and cell culture facilities and access to high-throughput sequencing, state-of-the-art imaging and high-resolution proteomics. Through its integration with the Department of Hygiene, Microbiology, and Virology, it also benefits from extensive clinical expertise. The department’s and CIIT multidisciplinary approach and extensive clinical expertise support the translation of research findings into improved outcomes for patients.