International PhD Programme (IPP) Mainz, Institute of Molecular Biology
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PhD Position: Decoding cell lineages in a miniature flowering plant International PhD Programme (IPP) Mainz, Institute of Molecular Biology in Germany
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
Available
Deadline
Oct 15, 2026
Country
Germany
University
International PhD Programme (IPP) Mainz, Institute of Molecular Biology
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About this position
The International PhD Programme (IPP) Mainz at the Institute of Molecular Biology is offering a fully funded PhD project in the life sciences on decoding cell lineages in a miniature flowering plant. The project is hosted by the research group of Shuqing Xu and is based in Mainz, Germany.
This project addresses a fundamental question in developmental biology: how does a single cell generate an entire plant? The work will use the fast-growing duckweed Lemna aequinoctialis as an experimental system. Because this plant has a simple body plan, rapid clonal reproduction, and established genome-engineering tools, it provides a powerful platform for tracing cell ancestry across development and multiple generations.
The PhD student will develop a synthetic DNA-barcode system in which programmable mutations accumulate as cells divide. These molecular records will then be read by sequencing and used to reconstruct cell lineages. The approach combines synthetic biology, genome editing, molecular genetics, and computational lineage reconstruction.
Research questions include how many founder cells generate a new plant, whether long-lived stem-cell lineages persist across generations, when different tissues acquire distinct developmental histories, and how reproductive lineages are specified from vegetative lineages. The project is therefore both a technology-development project and a fundamental study of plant developmental biology.
The programme encourages applicants with backgrounds in molecular biology, genetics, genome engineering, developmental biology, or computational biology. Prior experience with plants is not required. Applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent, a good command of English, and two letters of reference.
The position is full-time and fully funded until completion of the thesis. The application deadline is 15 October 2026, and interviews are planned at IMB in Mainz on 18–19 January 2027. The expected starting date is between 1 February and 31 July 2027.
To apply, use the online form at the IPP application page and select Xu as your group preference.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Master or equivalent degree in a relevant field; good command of English; two letters of reference. Candidates with backgrounds in molecular biology, genetics, genome engineering, developmental biology, or computational biology are particularly encouraged to apply. Previous plant experience is not required.
How to apply
Apply via the IPP online application platform at https://www.imb.de/phd/apply and select Xu as your group preference. Submit the application by 15 October 2026 and provide the required references.
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