Master thesis/MD thesis: Regulatory genomic networks driven by endogenous retroviral elements in human immune cells and viral infections
The Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV) is an independent research institution for basic biomedical research. As a foundation under civil law and member of the Leibniz Association, the Institute occupies a leading position both nationally and internationally.
We are looking for a highly motivated and team-oriented Master student (f/m/x) in the fields of bioinformatics, informatics, life sciences or similar.
Your tasks
Project overview:
The BMBF research group Genomics of Retroviral Infection (headed by Dr. Ulrike Lange) invites applications from highly motivated students to join our team at the Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV) in Hamburg. The research group combines wet and dry lab expertise and focuses on the biology of human endogenous and exogenous retroviruses and on development of approaches to control retroviral infections.
Amongst other, we are interested in deciphering how human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) contribute to immune cell function. HERVs are highly repetitive sequence elements in the human genome that have derived from retroviral infection events during human evolution. These elements comprise around 8% of the human genomic content and have been co-opted to contribute to regulatory gene networks, driving a variety of physiological and pathological states. Our work is focused on how HERVs contribute to lymphocyte and myeloid cell function in particular in the context of HIV-1 infection. The project will involve analysis of multi-modular genomics datasets (RNAseq, ChIPseq, ATACseq) combined with integrative downstream analyses (eg. Differential expression/accessibility, GSEA, WGCNA) (Hamann et al. BMC Medical Genomics, 2023, PMID: 37013607).
Your profile
- a highly motivated and team-oriented Master student (m/f/d) in the fields of bioinformatics, informatics, life sciences or similar
- full-time commitment to the project (expected length approx. 7-10 months)
- very good English language skills (oral and written)
- good knowledge on Linux, R based data analysis is a prerequisite, further skills (eg. Python, Biostatistics, basic knowledge of multi-omics data integration) are a plus
What we offer
- an exciting bioinformatics research project in a mixed wet lab/dry lab environment
- close supervision of the project
- an international and thriving research environment at LIV
- possibility to take up HiWi position
The LIV is certified with the Total Equality distinction, and promotes work-life balance and professional equality between all genders. Severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration if their suitability, qualifications, and professional performance are otherwise equal.
Applications should include a cover letter, indicating motivation and earliest possible starting date, a CV, a short description of previous experiences in bioinformatics including skills, and contacts for two references. The position is to be filled as soon as possible. Please submit your application solely via the button Online application.
