PhD student (f,m,d) in “Bioactivity of herbaceous wild plants”

The Leibniz-Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) aims for excellence in horticultural research and related plant, environmental, nutritional and social sciences. IGZ is based in Großbeeren close to Berlin and is a member of the Leibniz Association (WGL). IGZ conducts strategic and international research for the sustainable production and use of vegetables, contributing to food security, human well-being and the conservation of natural resources. At IGZ, researchers from different disciplines work together on core-funded and grant-funded projects, in collaboration with national and international research partners.

To undertake the research in this project, we are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious

PhD student (f,m,d) in “Bioactivity of herbaceous wild plants”

Reference Number: 16/2021/2

The salary will be based on qualification and research experience according to the wage agreement TV-L, salary domain east, up to EG 13, 65% of the regular working time. The conferral of a doctorate is possible at the Hochschule Geisenheim University.

Employment will be available as soon as possible and will be initially until 30. September 2024.

The project is a part of the BMBF-funded project ‘Establishment of a cultivation and utilization system of native and climate-adapted wild plants with high added value in Lusatia (InnoWild)’. Within this project, bioactive compounds of herbaceous plants will be identified and quantified using complementary instrumental analytical methods. The successful candidate will extend these analytical measurements to microbial bioassays using those bioactive compounds, and investigates the molecular background of the accumulation of these compounds in planta using metabolite, transcript and protein analyses.

Tasks include

• planning, implementation and evaluation of plant growth experiments
• establishing and performing microbial assays
• application of complementary molecular methods to characterize metabolite accumulation
• writing scientific publications and presentation of results to international scientific audience

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with the following qualifications and profile

• a Master (MSc) or diploma degree in biology, life sciences or related field, with strong emphasis on plant physiology
• a firm background in the field of plant metabolism, microbiology, molecular biology tools
• a very good proficiency in English (both oral and written), language skills in German is advantageous

We offer

• an inspiring and dynamic scientific environment with state-of-the-art research facilities
• a challenging job combining fundamental and applied plant science
• a committed and competent team and a place of employment located close to the city of Berlin
• flexible and family-friendly working time models

Please send a strong motivation letter stating why this is an interesting topic for you and why you have the right attitude and expertise to contribute to the project and make progress in this field. Also send your CV and copies of academic certificates.

More information on about the IGZ you can find under www.igzev.de . For questions please contact: Dr. Katja Witzel (++49(0)33701 78 220; [email protected] ).

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, belief or ethnic origin.

We prefer to receive applications by email to [email protected] in pdf format by 08.12.2021. Please cite the above reference number in the subject line of your email. Our postal address is: Personalbüro, Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, D-14979 Großbeeren.