Philip Wigge

The Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) in Großbeeren, Germany, is offering a fully funded PhD student position in Plant Biology as part of a DFG-funded project focused on temperature sensing and prion-like domains in Arabidopsis thaliana. The research group ADAPT.1 investigates how intrinsically disordered regions and prion-like domains control the temperature responsiveness of HSF transcription factors, building on recent discoveries in molecular plant physiology. The project includes experimental design, plant growth and survival assays, protein biochemistry, molecular biological investigations, and analysis and publication of results. Applicants should have a Master's or Diploma in biology, food chemistry, biochemistry, biosciences, or a related field, with experience in plant stress signaling, cloning, molecular biology, and statistical analysis. The position is for three years, with a salary according to TV-L pay scale 13 (65% FTE), and includes benefits such as public transport subsidies and flexible working arrangements. The working languages are English and German. Applications must be submitted by November 3, 2025, including all required documents and references. The IGZ promotes equal opportunities and diversity, and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. For more information, visit the IGZ website or contact Prof. Dr. Philip Wigge.

PhD position in Plant Biology at the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) in Großbeeren, Germany, in the research group Temperature Sensing in Plants . The project is part of a DFG-funded study titled “A modular prion-like domain code for the activation of the heat shock factors in plants” . The research focuses on how heat shock factors (HSFs) sense temperature in Arabidopsis thaliana , with particular attention to intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) , prion-like domains (PLDs) , and liquid-liquid phase separation . The post builds on recent findings about HSFA1 transcription factors and temperature-dependent phase separation, and is well suited to candidates interested in plant stress signaling, molecular plant biology, protein biochemistry, and gene regulation. 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 analysis/publication of results in international journals. Applicants should hold a Master’s/Diploma in biology, food chemistry, biochemistry, biosciences, or a related field. The ad asks for knowledge of plant stress signaling, cloning and plant biology, temperature signaling, molecular biology methods, statistical analysis, MS Office, and strong English skills. The institute also values independence, responsibility, organisation, teamwork, and readiness to work in an international environment. The position is fixed term for three years , with salary according to TV-L E13, 65% . The doctorate can be pursued at the University of Potsdam . The application deadline is 2026-07-05 . To apply, email a PDF application to [email protected] including a motivation letter, CV, academic certificates, two references, earliest starting date, and reference number 09/2026/1 . For questions, contact Prof. Dr. Philip Wigge at [email protected] .

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.

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.