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CSC-Tübingen PhD Program: Project 24/2026: Functional importance and biogenesis of viral protein containing
extracellular vesicles (VIPEX).
Topic Description:
Viruses can hijack the exosome biogenesis pathway and other cellular routes to secrete viral proteins in extracellular vesicles (EVs). This can affect viral pathogenesis and immune responses in the host. Importantly, the interplay between viral replication and EV biogenesis remains underexplored. We have identified proteins of SARS-CoV-2, HIV-1 and Ebolavirus that are released in EVs, we call VIPEX (viral proteins in extracellular vesicles). If viral proteins are targeted to EVs by common or distinct mechanisms is unknown, as well as their biological activity. In this project it will be analysed how VIPEX are formed, if they are internalized into bystander cells, and which effects they exert on cells. This project will shed light on unprecedented and poorly understood mechanisms by which viruses hijack extracellular vesicles and exploit them to optimize replication.

Faculty: Faculty of Medicine
Institute/Section/Subject: Institute for Medical Virology, Section Molecular Virology

Supervising Professors: Prof. Dr. Michael Schindler

About the Supervisors: The research involves identification and characterization of viral immune evasion mechanisms and how these can be manipulated or
subverted for innovative therapeutic approaches. We use cutting-edge and state-of-the art methodology, i.e. live cell super-resolution imaging, high-throughput screening, innovative proteomics and flow-cytometry analyses, single cell techniques etc.

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8989-5813
https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/C-1647-2015
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=35337858900


Intended Degree: PhD in Experimental Medicine or Dr. rer. nat. Participation in structured doctoral program, the IGIM or the PhD Program in Experimental
Medicine
Type of the PhD Study: Full time (complete doctoral studies at the University of Tübingen)

Requirements for the application:
Required Degrees and Qualifications: MSc in biomedical sciences, biochemistry, biotechnology, biology, molecular medicine or related areas. Profound knowledge in
molecular and cell biology.

Language Requirements: English, fluently, written and spoken

Notes: This work does involve research in a biosafety level (BSL)-2 and 3 laboratories and work with infectious material.


For further instructions on how to apply, more information on the program and contact details please see below.

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CSC-Tübingen PhD Program
The China Scholarship Council (CSC) and the University of Tübingen have established a PhD Program which supports Chinese nationals inside and outside of China wishing to carry out all or part of their PhD study in Tübingen.

Aims:

• providing high quality research training to qualified students from Chinese universities
• developing education and research collaborations between the University of Tübingen and Chinese universities and research institutions

Target group:
Excellent postgraduate and doctoral students from the People's Republic of China.

Funding line A - Full time fellowship:

• postgraduate students who want to carry out their complete doctoral studies at the University of Tübingen
• up to 48 months
• degree conferred by the University of Tübingen
• Annual living allowance as prescribed by the Chinese Government (which includes Overseas Student Health Cover)

Funding Line B - Part time fellowship (sandwich model):

• doctoral students who want to carry out their research and studies alternatively at their home universities and the University of Tübingen. They follow a schedule set in advance by both the Chinese supervisors and supervisors at the University of Tübingen
• 6-24 months in Tübingen
• degree conferred by the Chinese home university
• Annual living allowance as prescribed by the Chinese Government (which includes Overseas Student Health Cover) for 6-24 months

Funding for both Funding lines includes:

• Return airfare to Germany
• Visa application fees
• Support for the attendance of international conferences during the second and third year (up to 1000€ granted to successful applicants)

Benefits for both funding lines:

• Tuition waiver
• Option to take German language classes provided by the University of Tübingen during the first year
• Accommodation offered in Tübingen student dormitories depending on availability
• Opportunities to gain additional teaching and research experience as well as economic benefits from the University of Tübingen from the second year onward (depending on the ability of the applicant and the situation of the respective institute)

Application Process:

• Jan 15: Application deadline. Applications must be handed in through the online application system of the University of Tübingen
• by March 10: Successful applicants will be officially informed
• by March 31: Invited applicants have to register with the CSC according to the regulations of the CSC.
• by May 31: Final decisions about the allocation of scholarships will be made by the CSC
• by Oct 1: Program participants arrive in Tübingen
• Successful candidates must return to China upon completion of their studies.

How to Apply:
In order to apply you need to upload the following documents combined in 1 PDF

• Cover/Motivation letter
• CV
• Research proposal (3-5 pages)
• Academic transcripts* (if you have not yet completed your Master's studies, please submit a confirmation of studies and an up-to-date transcript of records)
• Proof of proficient English language skills (i.e. comprehension of a wide range of demanding, longer texts as well as fluent and spontaneous expression allowing a flexible and effective language use for social, academic and professional purposes.) - TOEFL iBT 95 or IELTS 6.5 or equivalent

*List of required Academic transcripts (including official translation into German or English for documents issued in Chinese)
1) Bachelor’s Degree Award Certificate / Bachelor Gradverleihungsurkunde (学士学位证书 xueshi xuewei zhengshu)
2) Bachelor's Degree Certificate/ Abschlusszeugnis (毕业证书 biye zhengshu) für das Bachelorstudium (本科 benke)
3) Transcript of the subjects and marks / Fächer- und Notenübersicht (成绩表 chengjibiao) for your Bachelor’s degree/ für das Bachelorstudium (本科 benke)
4) Master’s Degree Award Certificate / Master-Gradverleihungsurkunde (硕士学位证书 shuoshi xuewei zhengshu)
5) Master’s Degree Certificate/ Abschlusszeugnis für das Masterstudium (硕士研究生毕业证书 shuoshi yanjiusheng biye zhengshu)
6) Transcript of the subjects and marks for your Master’s Degree / Fächer- und Notenübersicht für das Masterstudium (硕士研究生成绩表 shuoshi yanjiusheng chengjibiao)

For questions please contact:
(Ms) Tetyana Tonkoshkur
Dezernat II – Forschung
Internationale Forschungskooperation
+49 7071 29-750005
international.research@uni-tuebingen.de
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