About University of Hohenheim: The University of Hohenheim has a unique profile, a wide international network, and works with distinguished specialists from all fields. The history, the mission statement, and a defined strategy lead the way for the further development of the University.

Research associate / Doctoral Student (TV-L E13, 65%) at department Physiology of Yield Stability: The department Physiology of Yield Stability (340k) invites applications for a Research associate / Doctoral Student for the project ‘Mechanisms of saponin biosynthesis and their impact on secondary metabolites in and nutrient bioavailability from ‘sweet’ vs. ‘bitter’ quinoa seeds’ which aims at elucidating the saponin biosynthesis in quinoa and the interaction with essential micronutrients. The position is available for 3 years from September 1st, 2022.

The Research Group Physiology of Yield Stability (340k) invites applications for a Research associate / Doctoral Student (TV-L E13, 65%) in Plant Science for the project ‘Mechanisms of saponin biosynthesis and their impact on secondary metabolites in and nutrient bioavailability from ‘sweet’ vs. ‘bitter’ quinoa seeds’ which aims at elucidating the saponin biosynthesis in quinoa and the interaction with essential micronutrients.   The position is available for a fixed term of three years from January 1st, 2022 and advertised as a research assistant with the possibility of doing a doctorate. The research and PhD thesis will be supervised by Jun. Prof. Dr. Sandra Schmöckel and Dr. Sophie Otterbach.

Project tasks:

> Analyse saponin composition in quinoa accessions (GC-MS)

> Analyse metabolic & transcriptional profiles (GC-MS, qRT-PCR)

> Co-expression analysis to identify genes in the saponin biosynthesis pathway (RNA-sequencing, bioinformatics)

> Data analyses: Combine and compare all measurements of secondary metabolites; generate a mechanistic model of the pathways

> Writing of scientific publications and a PhD thesis; presentations at scientific conferences

> Possible: Co-supervision of Bachelor and Master students who contribute to the above tasks

Your qualifications:   

> M.Sc. degree (completed or soon to be completed) in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Plant Physiology or related fields  

> A strong interest in metabolomics and transcriptomics, secondary metabolites and data analysis

> Experience with software such as R, statistical analyses methods and molecular biology laboratory skills

> Ideally experience with RNAseq data analysis

> Scientific creativity, organisation skills, scientific integrity, eagerness and persistence to pursue a PhD, and a high ambition to learn new skills if required

> Ability to work in a team and networking skills

> Well versed in written and oral English. German is not required, but beneficial.

We offer:

> A research project with the possibility to develop and implement your own ideas

> Project supervision in an international research environment

> Support with the publication of results in international, peer-reviewed journals

> Development of professional skills in the PhD graduate program of the Faculty of Agriculture

> Opportunity to build a network with project partners

How to apply:

Please submit your application (Motivation letter, CV, transcript of records from bachelor and master programs, abstract of your master thesis and contact information of 2 references) using the online application portal. For further questions contact sandra.schmoeckel@uni-hohenheim.de

Application deadline : 19.08.2022

The University of Hohenheim accepts applications via a secure internet site. To the application

Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this: