PhD position in Infection Biology

Research interests of the Infection Biology Group
Infections with non-cytopathic viruses usually have 2 different outcomes. They may be eliminated by host immune responses (acute infections) or they may persist lifelong (persistent infections). Medically important examples are the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), the Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) that in adults usually follow an acute (HBV), a persistent (HIV) or an either acute or persistent (HCV) infection course. Our laboratory is interested (i) to understand the factors that regulate the decision between an acute versus a persistent infection course, (ii) to define the factors that control the dynamic balance of virus expansion and immune control in persistent infections and (iii) to identify small chemical compounds with broad-spectrum antiviral activities.

Our international group is integrated into the Biomedical Research Park of Barcelona (PRBB), one of the largest hubs of biomedical research in southern Europe. For more information visit the following websites:
http://www.upf.edu/virologyunit; http://www.prbb.org

Candidate requirements:
We seek highly motivated and enthusiastic candidates with Graduate studies related to Biomedicine. They will be integrated into the International PhD Program in Biomedicine of the Department of Experimental and Health Sciences (Mention of Excellence).

To be competitive for PhD fellowships (MINECO and Generalitat de Catalunya), very good marks in the graduate studies are required (at least 8,35 in the graduate studies and 8,22 in the master according to the Spanish scoring system (1 to 10)). Applicants from other countries need to convert their score accordingly (http.//notasmedias.aneca.es). The applicants’ qualifications must be stated in the motivation letter.

To apply, send a motivation letter and a CV (including contact details of 2 referees) to andreas.meyerhans@upf.edu