The University of Cologne is one of the oldest and largest universities in Europe. Due to its outstanding scientific achievements and the high quality and diversity of its degree programmes, it enjoys an excellent international reputation. The University of Cologne’s six Faculties are the institutional framework for its research activities.
The Faculties offer a total of 102 degree programmes and support 16 cross-Faculty research and teaching centres. Moreover, the UoC has several large, internationally competitive research areas: mechanisms of aging-associated diseases; behavioral economic engineering and social cognition, quantum matter and materials, socio-economic, cultural and political transformations in the global south, plant sciences and skills and structures in language and cognition.
The UoC’s syllabus currently comprises about 100 quality-assured degree programmes (Ger.), giving students the opportunity to choose from a total of over 300 subject and teaching degree combinations. The bachelor and master’s programmes have recently successfully undergone the Model Accreditation (Modellakkreditierung) process and thus now have harmonized programme structures and examination regulations, and introduced special quality standards in cross-cutting areas such as internationalization, advice and supervision, and equal opportunities.
PhD in fungal effector biology (f/m/d): Institute of Plant Sciences | Terrestrial Microbiology Lab:
We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.
The Terrestrial Microbiology lab studies plant – microbe interactions with a focuses on biotrophic fungal pathogens. We invite selfmotivated applicants for a PhD project in fungal effector biology. The project aims to identify and functionally characterize novel virulence factors of the fungal maize pathogen Setosphaeria turcica.
YOUR TASKS:
» Analyze fungal transcriptome and genome data
» Generate and functionally characterize fungal mutant strains
» Perform infection assays and disease scoring
» Identify and characterize effector targets in maize using genetics, proteomics and protein-protein interaction assays
YOUR PROFILE:
» Fascination with fungal genetics and plant-microbe interactions
» A MSc in Biology or comparable, skills in microbial genetics and molecular plant pathology are mandatory
» A demonstrated expertise in genome/transcriptome analyses
» Excellent English skills, both written and spoken
» Hands-on experience in plant-microbe interactions, evolutionary genetics and computational data analysis is appreciated
WE OFFER:
» An international, dedicated team and a highly motivating, interdisciplinary research environment
» A diverse and fair working environment
» Support in reconciling work and family life
» Flexible working time models
» Extensive advanced training opportunities
» Occupational health management offers
» Local transport ticket at a discount for university-employees
» Opportunity for remote work.
The University of Cologne is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. Women are especially encouraged to apply and will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from people with disabilities / special needs or of equal status.
The position is available from 01.03.2023 on a part-time basis (25,89 hours per week). It is limited for three years. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.
Please apply online with proof of the sought-after qualification without photo under: APPLY NOW The reference number is Wiss2301-03. The application deadline is 25.01.2023.