Postdoctoral Researcher (f,m,div) in Plant Temperature Sensing and Bioinformatics

With its work, the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) contributes to a better understanding of plant systems and thus to the development of sustainable and resilient horticulture. The IGZ conducts research at the interface between plants, humans and the environment. In doing so, we address systemic and global challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, urbanization and malnutrition. We provide scientifically sound recommendations for healthy agri-food systems and sustainable interactions with the environment. The IGZ brings together a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. Employees with different backgrounds conduct research in national and international research co-operations. The IGZ is based in Großbeeren near Potsdam and near Berlin and is a member of the Leibniz Association.

The scientist will be part of the research group “Temperature sensing in plants”. Our group is interested to understand the molecular mechanisms of temperature perception in plants. This knowledge will help us to contribute to the breeding of climate resilient crops.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious

Postdoctoral Researcher (f,m,div) in Plant Temperature Sensing and Bioinformatics

Reference Number: 07/2024/1

Employment will be initially for two years. The salary will be based on qualification and research experience according to the wage agreement TV-L, up to pay scale 13, full time.

You will be a team player, interested in working in an interdisciplinary programme to understand how temperature sensing mechanisms operate at the cellular, tissue and plant level. The project seeks to understand proteomic and transcriptomic responses to temperature in the plants, and will use bioinformatic approaches. We are specifically interested in the earliest events following temperature perception and how these influence the subsequent priming and adaptation responses.

Tasks include

• analysis of proteomic and transcriptomic datasets to identify major signatures of temperature response and adaptation
• creation of assays to analyse proteomic responses to temperature
• original research tasks investigating role of protein conformational and phase change responses to temperature
• working with other team members to analyse and investigate experimental datasets
• writing scientific publications and presentation of results to international scientific audience

We are looking for candidates with

• a PhD in biology
• experience in analysing large datasets to understand stress responses in plants
• experience in proteomics
• knowledge of bioinformatics, particularly R
• experience in cellular fractionation, purification of nuclei and chloroplasts
• good proficiency in English (both oral and written)
• readiness to work together with students and technicians
• high sense of responsibility, accurateness, and ability to focus
• readiness to integrate into an international working environment

We offer

• an inspiring and dynamic research environment, including state-of-the art research facilities
• extensive supervision and an exciting project of considerable fundamental and applied relevance
• flexible and family-friendly working time models and the possibility of mobile working (up to 50% of working time)
• a place of employment located close to Berlin and Potsdam
• subsidy for the company ticket for local public transport or the Germany ticket

More information on about the IGZ you can find under www.igzev.de. For questions, please contact: Prof. Philip Wigge (+49(0)33701 78 411; wigge@igzev.de). Further information can also be found in recent publications from our lab (e.g Jung et al. (2016) Science 354:886, Ezer et al. (2017) Nature Plants 3:17087 and Chung and Balcerowicz et al. (2020) Nature Plants  6: 522).

We encourage a healthy work-life balance. The IGZ attaches great importance to equal opportunities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualifications. The IGZ embraces diversity in its workforce, and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, world view, disability and belief or ethnic origin.

Please send a motivation letter stating why this is an interesting topic for you as well as your CV, names of two references, copies of academic certificates and indicate your earliest possible starting date.

We prefer to receive applications citing the reference number send by email to bewerbung@igzev.de in pdf format by 31.03.2024. Our postal address is: Personalbüro, Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, D-14979 Großbeeren.