Multiple PhD and Postdoctoral positions (m/f/d) | Microbiota-Root-Shoot Axis

Job Offer from March 21, 2023

The Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ) in Cologne, Germanyinvites applications for several ERC-funded positions in the field of microbiology, molecular plant-microbiota interactions, functional ecology and computational biology. The positions are available in the Multitrophic Plant-Microbe Interactions group headed by Dr. Stéphane Hacquard for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of extension.

The Multitrophic Plant-Microbe Interactions group aims at understanding the fundamental mechanisms that underlie the structure and the functions of multi-kingdom microbial consortia colonizing plant roots (see group website ). The ERC-funded project MICROBIOSIS will focus on the fascinating, yet overlooked circuits that connect root microbiota composition belowground with aboveground leaf development (see project ). The objective is to identify conserved strategies used by distantly related plant species for long-distance communication with root microbes and to design synthetic microbial communities that promote resistance to multiple aboveground stresses. The project will involve the use of tractable microbial communities, cutting-edge metabolome, microbiome and grafting techniques, as well as genetic engineering methods and advanced gnotobiotic plant growth systems to mechanistically understand and engineer these circuits.

The ideal candidates will have the ability to work at the interface between multiple research fields and will have expertise in one or more of the following: plant/microbial genetics, large-scale multi-omics, advanced statistical genetics, root or microbial metabolic engineering, grafting, root-shoot functional interplay, synthetic microbial communities and ecosystem engineering. Having inter-disciplinary proficiency among molecular biology, ecology, and bioinformatics is advantageous. Very good organizational and communication skills (i.e., English) are essential.

The positions must be filled this year. Selected candidates will be invited for interview. Salary and working hours are in accordance with the funding guidelines of the Max Planck Society for junior scientists. Working hours are fulltime; Payment and benefits are according to German TVöD-Bund.

Your application must include a letter (2 pages max) stating why you are interested to join the MICROBIOSIS research team, your CV, a list of publications or similar achievements, and names of three referees and should be send as a single pdf document through the online system , by latest May 9th, 2023.

For further information on this position please feel free to contact Dr. Stéphane Hacquard .