The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut is one of the world’s leading research institutes in the fields of animal infectious diseases, animal welfare, animal husbandry, animal nutrition and farm animal genetics. It operates under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity and informs and advises the German Federal Government in these areas.

At our Greifswald–Insel Riems site, the Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology (IMVZ) is seeking to recruit, at the earliest possible date,

a Postdoctoral Research Scientist (f/m/d)

for a fixed-term position until 28 February 2029, working 100% of the regular weekly working hours.

As part of the ONEMUC research group, the successful candidate will be responsible for the scientific work and some administrative aspects of the subproject “Influenza A viruses: adaptation to avian and mammalian mucosal surfaces”.

Responsibilities:

• Experimental studies of influenza A virus–host interactions
• Establishment and use of air–liquid interface (ALI) cell cultures derived from human and animal airways
• Application of microscopy and imaging techniques and analysis of image data
• Molecular virological analyses, including reverse genetics approaches, studies of viral replication and virus characterisation

Requirements:

• A university degree in veterinary medicine, biology, biochemistry or a comparable natural science discipline
• A completed doctorate in virology, molecular biology, genomics, immunology or a related field
• Excellent written and spoken English

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience working with pathogens at biosafety levels 2 and 3 (BSL-2/BSL-3), publications on influenza viruses, and experience preparing standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Experience in next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis, scientific documentation of results and preparation of publications
• Good command of German

Applicants are expected to work independently and reliably, demonstrate strong organisational skills, motivation and the ability to work in a team, and be able to work under pressure.

The position involves work in a security-sensitive area, which requires a security clearance under the German Security Clearance Act (Sicherheitsüberprüfungsgesetz, SÜG) and special measures to protect against health hazards. Personal and medical suitability are therefore prerequisites for appointment.

In addition to challenging and varied scientific work in an interdisciplinary environment, we offer:

• Employment and remuneration under the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD), up to pay grade 14 TVöD-Bund, eastern tariff area, subject to fulfilment of the applicable collective agreement requirements
• Full-time employment (39 hours per week)
• An annual special payment and capital-forming benefits
• Excellent research infrastructure and professional supervision
• The opportunity to work in a highly motivated international team

Our institute is committed to a family-friendly working environment, offering flexible working hours without core hours. Our benefits include occupational health and return-to-work management, an employee social counselling service and an occupational pension scheme.

The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut aims to increase the proportion of women in its workforce. Women are therefore particularly encouraged to apply.

We embrace diversity and an open, international working environment. The Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut is committed to inclusion. Applications from people with severe disabilities are expressly encouraged and will receive preferential consideration in the selection process.

In keeping with our international outlook, we welcome applications from people of all nationalities and ethnic backgrounds.

For further information, please contact PD Dr Abdel-Whab, telephone 038351/71530, E-Mail: sayed.abdel-whab@~@fli.de 

We look forward to receiving your application. Please send your full application documents by 8 November 2026 as a single PDF file to 119.26@~@fli.de, using the subject line “Stelle 119/26”. Alternatively, you may send your application by post to Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Referat Personal, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald–Insel Riems, Germany. 

Please provide the names and contact details of two referees whom we may contact for references.

Please note that incomplete applications may be excluded from the selection process.

Acknowledgement of receipt and all further communication during the recruitment process will be sent by email. Please check your spam filter settings!