PhD-Position (m/w/d) | Interferon Signaling and Regulation of Antiviral and Immunometabolic Programs

Working at Charité

Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin is one of Europe’s largest and most research-intensive academic medical centers. As a joint institution of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charité combines excellence in basic research with translational medicine and clinical care.

The laboratory of Prof. Antje Beling at the Institute of Biochemistry investigates the cellular stress response to viral infection, with a particular focus on the regulation of IFN-induced signaling networks. Central to our research is the IFNAR–USP18–ISG15 signaling hub as a regulatory node coordinating antiviral programs, posttranslational modifications (including ISGylation), and metabolic adaptation in heart and liver tissue.

Overview of the position

Within the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Center CRC 1292 (Virus-Induced Inflammatory Disease), this project analyzes the function of the IFNAR–USP18 signaling hub as a central regulatory node controlling the magnitude, duration, and metabolic consequences of interferon responses during viral infection.

The aim is to understand how this signaling hub:

• Regulates antiviral defense mechanisms in cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes
• Influences metabolic reprogramming in immune and parenchymal cells
• Promotes or limits chronic inflammation and autoimmune processes

Your responsibilities include:

• Planning and performing in vivo infection studies using cell type-specific mouse models
• Conducting experiments in S2 laboratories to analyze virus-induced signaling pathways
• Performing immunological, molecular, and proteomic analyses
• Establishing and analyzing primary cell culture systems
• Integrating multi-omics and metabolic datasets

You will be employed as a scientific staff member. In accordance with §110 (4) BerlHG, adequate working time is reserved for doctoral qualification.

What we are looking for

• Excellent Master’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, infectious biology, or a related discipline
• Strong experimental background in molecular and cellular biology
• Experience in immunology, virology, mouse models, or metabolic analyses is advantageous
• Demonstrated scientific motivation and ideally first publication experience
• Independent, analytical, and structured working style with excellent English communication skills

Charité offers you

• Scientifically ambitious project with strong translational relevance
• Access to state-of-the-art core facilities (flow cytometry, proteomics, genomics, imaging)
• Structured doctoral training within CRC 1292 and the Charité Graduate School
• Close scientific mentorship and international networking
• Berlin as an attractive and vibrant research location

Information regarding the position

• Paygrade E13 according to TVöD VKA-K. Your job grade depends on your job qualification whereas the experience level depends on the number of working years. You may find further information here
• The working hours are planned to be part-time at 65% (25 hours per week)
• The position is limited until 31.12.2029, as it is tied to the project duration
• 30 days of paid vacation per year
• The application period ends on: 15.04.2026
• Position ID: 6894

Application

Everyone is welcome at the Charité, regardless of age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, ethnic or social background. We are committed to equal opportunities and inclusion.

For data protection reasons, we only accept applications via our application portal. The contact details provided below are intended solely for inquiries.

If you have questions, please contact:

Prof. Antje Beling
e-mail: antje.beling@charite.de