The DFG Graduate School 3RTG calls for applications of positions at Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-Koch-Institut and Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover:
Assessment of Behaviour and Stress to Understand and Improve Veterinary Infectious Disease Models
The interdisciplinary 3RTG Graduate School invites applications for PhD positions in the field of infectious disease research using animal models. Our program focuses on understanding hostpathogen interactions across species (mice, chickens, pigs, dogs) using well-established viral (e.g., Marek's disease virus, Theiler virus, Hepatitis E), bacterial (e.g., Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus pseudintermedius), and parasitic (e.g., Heligmosomoides polygyrus, Giardia muris) infection models. While animal models remain essential in studying systemic infectious processes, immune responses, and evaluating therapies, refinement measures to reduce stress and improve welfare in experimental animals are underexplored.
In this 3RTG, we will address the central hypothesis of these infections causing general stress responses and behavioural changes, which can be assessed on metabolic level or by video observation and artificial intelligence analysis, respectively. New insights into these stress responses and behavioural changes will increase our knowledge of the respective diseases whilst contributing to minimise the disease burden on the experimental animals.
Our strategy will allow us to compare stress responses and behavioural data between different species and classes of pathogens, leading to important synergies by using standardised methods.
The 3RTG program provides a unique opportunity to:

• Conduct research at the intersection of infection biology, animal welfare, and digital analytics
• Develop and apply innovative technologies for behavioural monitoring and stress assessment
• Work in an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment with access to advanced infrastructure
• Receive structured training in infection biology, animal models, and 3R principle
  We are offering 7 doctoral positions at the Department of Biology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy as well as the Department of Veterinary Medicine at Freie Universität Berlin, starting April 1, 2026, in one of the following projects:
• Stress response markers and behavioural changes in viral C'S infections (Project P01: Prof. Dr. Sonja Bröer)
• Analysis of a non-invasive method to determine immune- and stress-related responses in intestinal infections (Project P02: Prof. Dr. Susanne Hartmann)
• Canine pyoderma: identification of biomarkers, phage therapy and refinement of the animal model (Project PO4: Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Bäumer)
• Identification of stress response markers and visual refinement of Marek's disease virus infections in chickens (Project P05: Prof. Dr. Benedikt Kaufer)
• Assessment of established and novel stress biomarkers in host/pathogen infection models (Project P07a: Prof. Dr. Maria Parr)
• Assessment of established and novel stress biomarkers in host/pathogen infection models (Project P07b: Prof. Dr. Burkhard Kleuser)
• Al based assessment of behaviour and thermal changes in veterinary infectious disease models (Projekt P08: Prof. Dr. Christa Thöne-Reineke)