Academic staff member (Postdoc): Plant RNA Biology Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in Germany

Postdoctoral opportunity in Plant RNA Biology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

The Wachter group at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz is seeking an Academic staff member (Postdoc) to join an internationally oriented research team working on the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of alternative RNA splicing in plants. The project focuses on polypyrimidine tract-binding proteins (PTBs), key splicing regulators whose functions will be studied in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The role will combine molecular biology, RNA biochemistry, transcriptome-wide profiling, and plant stress physiology to uncover how PTB-controlled splicing decisions contribute to development and drought tolerance.

Current research in the group has identified new parts of the plant splicing regulatory code, including structured mRNA elements and position-dependent pyrimidine motifs. Building on this foundation, the successful candidate will examine PTB function using approaches such as splicing pattern profiling, iCLIP, and TRIBE, and will further develop analysis pipelines to integrate datasets and define PTB-mediated regulation at both mechanistic and physiological levels. The larger aim is to connect splicing control with stress-related traits such as ABA-dependent seed germination and drought response, helping to build strategies for improved plant resilience.

The position is based in Faculty 10: Biology on the Mainz campus in Germany. It is a full-time temporary postdoctoral role (39 hours/week) paid according to EG 13 TV-L and initially limited to 3 years. The post includes support from extensive expertise, core facilities, and a new research infrastructure. Duties also include lab organisation, teaching contributions for Bachelor’s and Master’s students, supervision of PhD students and other group members, and presentation of results in publications, reports, and conferences.

Applicants should hold a completed PhD in molecular plant biology or RNA biology and a degree in Biology or a related discipline. Experience with molecular methods is required; experience in plant stress physiology and teaching is beneficial. Very good English skills at B2 level or higher are required, while German is helpful but optional. The application deadline is 5 November 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Berlin). Applications should include a cover letter, CV, certificates, references, and a publication list, submitted via the university’s online application portal.

Institution: Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. Location: Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.