We are offering for the next possible starting date a

1 – PhD Position – Root system molecular physiology within the framework of the international EU Root2Resilience Project

Would you like to contribute to solutions to climate change and food and biomass resource scarcity? Work with us at the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Plant Sciences (IBG-2) on innovative use, production, and technology concepts related to crop resilience to climate change. Conduct interdisciplinary research in international teams (EU Root2Resilience project) using state-of-the-art sensors and measurement concepts in the laboratory and greenhouse, and field.

Your Job:

  • Investigate root growth/physiology of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) in a changing environment
  • Study the molecular physiology of storage root development
  • Study root architecture and anatomy under different climatic conditions
  • Collaborate within and contribute to the EU Root2Resilience Project
  • Disseminate your finding to stakeholders at international workshops/conferences

Your Profile:

  • A masters or equivalent degree in biology, botany, horticulture or related discipline
  • Training and or experience in plant molecular physiology/molecular biology/genetic
  • Preferably experience in plant phenotyping
  • Experience in working with plant roots will be considered a big plus
  • Enjoy working in interdisciplinary teams
  • Very good oral and written English language skills
  • Knowledge of statistics and experimental design is desired
  • German language skills not required

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:
The IBG-2 – Plant Sciences offers a unique, interdisciplinary working environment in which an excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art plant physiology techniques are developed and applied to meet the major challenges of plant production in changing environments.

  • We offer world-class infrastructure and expertise in plant phenotyping
  • The opportunity to work in a unique interdisciplinary team (scientists, engineers and technicians) with national and international partners
  • A structured doctoral degree programme for you and your supervisors with a comprehensive further training and networking package on our doctoral researchers
  • Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  • The position is initially for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 65 % of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“).
  • We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation/identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible.

Apply now

We are offering a

2 – PhD Position – Agronomy or Botany, funded within the framework of the international EU Root2Resilience Project:

Would you like to contribute to solutions to climate change and food and biomass resource scarcity? Work with us at the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Plant Sciences (IBG-2) on innovative use, production, and technology concepts related to crop resilience to climate change. Roots are the primary organs through which crop plants feed themselves. Crop production is increasingly confronted with extreme and changing weather. We aim at finding root traits that could enhance crop resilience.

Our research is part of a large consortium on “Root phenotyping and genetic improvement for rotational crops resilient to environmental change”. The consortium brings together top researchers around this topic, and you could become part of it. Are you a scientist pursuing an academic career at the intersect of mathematical modeling and plant biology? This is your chance to do a PhD and produce novel models and develop a strong theoretical understanding of root functioning. Join our team of experts.

Your Job:

  • Develop mathematical models that simulate root growth and functioning.
  • Apply the models to different scenarios, parameterize them with data from partners
  • Test hypothesis on how root traits contribute to crop resilience
  • Network and collaborate in the EU Root2Resilience Project
  • To disseminate your finding at international workshops/conferences
  • Write a PhD thesis and defend it

Your Profile:

  • You are a problem solver, independent worker and want to develop your specific research profile within a Phd project
  • You are keen to learn new things and acquire scientific and transferable skills
  • You have a master’s degree in agronomy, biology, or mathematical modeling
  • You have a deep interest in working interdisciplinary
  • You can program in at least one language (R, C++, Python)
  • You had prior exposure to modeling, through for example master’s thesis or course work
  • You have very good oral and written English skills (C1 or C2) (German not required)

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

  • A unique, interdisciplinary working environment in which an excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art plant physiology techniques are developed and applied to meet the major challenges of plant production in changing environments
  • You will be part of the root dynamics group which is highly international and interdisciplinary
  • We have a small, but world-known, modeling group with a strong background in mathematics, programming, and plant biology
  • We are working at the forefront of root architectural and functional modeling; and our modeling is connected to the worlds most advanced root phenotyping techniques
  • Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS,
  • Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  • The position is for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 65% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“).
  • We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible.

Apply now

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