PhD in Plant Biology: Temperature Sensing, Heat Shock Factors, and Prion-like Domains at IGZ Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops in Germany

PhD position in Plant Biology at the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) in Großbeeren, Germany, within the research group Temperature Sensing in Plants led by Prof. Philip Wigge.

The project focuses on how prion-like domains (PLDs) and intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) regulate the temperature responsiveness of Heat Shock Factor (HSF) transcription factors in Arabidopsis thaliana. This sits at the interface of molecular plant biology, plant stress signaling, protein biochemistry, and quantitative mechanistic analysis of temperature perception in plants.

The position is part of a DFG-funded project, is offered for 3 years, and starts at the earliest possible date. Salary is according to TV-L E13, 65% of regular working time. A doctorate can be conferred at the University of Potsdam.

Tasks include cloning and construct creation, experimental design, plant growth and survival assays under heat stress, protein biochemistry and purification, plant physiological measurements, molecular biological investigations such as gene expression analyses, and publication/presentation of results.

Applicants should hold a Master's/Diploma in biology, food chemistry, biochemistry, biosciences, or a related field, and have strong knowledge of plant stress signaling. Experience in cloning, plant biology, molecular methods, and statistical analysis is preferred, along with good English, MS Office skills, independence, teamwork, and strong organization.

Application deadline: 2026-07-05. Apply by email to [email protected] with a motivation letter, CV, certificates, references, reference number, and earliest starting date.