PhD Position in Plant Biology and Heat Shock Signaling at Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops in Germany

PhD opportunity in Plant Biology at the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), Germany, within the DFG-funded project “A Modular Prion-like Domain Code for the Activation of the Heat Shock Factors in Plants.”

The project sits in the research area of temperature sensing and plant stress signaling, with a focus on how intrinsically disordered regions and prion-like domains regulate heat shock factors in plants. The work connects molecular plant biology, protein biochemistry and purification, gene expression analysis, plant physiology, and heat stress responses.

Tasks include cloning and construct creation, experimental design, plant growth and survival assays under heat stress, protein biochemistry and purification, physiological measurements, molecular biological investigations, analysis and publication of results, and presentation at national and international meetings.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in biology, biochemistry, biosciences, food chemistry, or a related field. The post asks for experience in cloning and plant biology, knowledge of plant stress and temperature signaling, familiarity with molecular biological methods, strong English communication skills, and the ability to work independently and in an international team.

The position is for three years and is paid according to TV-L up to E13, 65% of regular working time. A doctorate can be conferred at the University of Potsdam. The institute also mentions a subsidy for a public transport/company ticket.

Application deadline: 2026-07-05. Apply by email with a complete application package including reference number, motivation letter, CV, academic certificates, and two referees.