Technical Assistant (m/f/d)

The Institute for Experimental Virology, headed by Prof. Thomas Pietschmann at TWINCORE, is seeking a technical assistant to support research into vaccines against the hepatitis C virus.

Technical Assistant (m/f/d)

Our international and interdisciplinary research team is looking for a technical assistant to support us in the search for an effective prophylactic vaccine against the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Why this research is important:

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects nearly 50 million people worldwide, and despite the availability of antiviral therapies, many remain undiagnosed or untreated. Every year, over 240,000 people die as a result of HCV-related complications. The World Health Organisation has classified HCV as a global health priority (PMID: 39500705). A preventive vaccine is urgently needed to reduce transmission and lower the global burden of disease.

As part of a dynamic and collaborative team, you will:

•  Support scientists in producing new vaccine candidates and testing them in mouse models
•  Test antibodies derived from mice
•  Cultivate mammalian cells and assist with infection experiments
•  Help the team of technical assistants at the institute with laboratory organisation

Your qualifications and skills:

•  Completed vocational training as a technical assistant (e.g. BTA, MTA or equivalent qualifications)
•  Practical experience in cell culture, virology and/or microbiology is desirable
•  Experience of, and willingness to assist with, animal experiments such as sample collection or animal monitoring are advantageous
•  Written and spoken English
•  Ability to work as part of a team

Advantageous for this role:

•  Good communication skills in an international and multicultural working environment
•  Organisational skills and attention to detail
•  Knowledge of or experience in a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory
•  Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel/Word)

We offer you:

•  An attractive and varied role in a forward-looking research institute
•  State-of-the-art infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies
•  Flexible working hours, part-time options and the option to work from home
•  A corporate culture that values and promotes equal opportunities
•  Extensive training and development opportunities to enhance professional knowledge and personal skills
•  A family support office to assist with balancing work and family life, as well as childcare options
•  Attractive additional benefits provided by the public sector
•  Possibility of an employer contribution towards a ‘Jobticket’

In the event of equal professional qualifications, priority will be given to people with severe disabilities. To safeguard your rights, please clearly indicate in your cover letter or CV that you have a severe disability.

The position is offered through the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research GmbH (HZI) in Braunschweig. The place of work is Hanover.

The HZI is actively committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. For this reason, the HZI pursues the goal of professional equality between women and men. The position is suitable for part-time work.

Start date:                       1 December 2026, initially on a fixed-term contract for 3 years
Remuneration:                E9a TVöD Bund
Working hours:               39 hours per week
Place of work:                 Hannover
Probationary period:      6 months
Application deadline:     23 October 2026