A prestigious doctoral opportunity is available for motivated researchers interested in plant molecular biology, stress physiology, and climate-resilient agriculture. The Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) in Großbeeren, Germany, is inviting applications for a PhD Student Position in Plant Biology (Reference No. 09/2026/1).

This three-year doctoral position is part of a German Research Foundation (DFG)-funded research project titled: “A modular prion-like domain code for the activation of the heat shock factors in plants.” The successful candidate will investigate how plants sense and respond to temperature changes by studying molecular mechanisms involved in heat stress adaptation. The PhD degree can be awarded through the University of Potsdam, providing an excellent academic pathway for researchers seeking an international career in plant science.

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About the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ)

The Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops is a leading research institution specializing in horticultural science and plant-related research. Located in Großbeeren near Potsdam and Berlin, IGZ is part of the Leibniz Association, one of Germany’s major scientific research networks. The institute focuses on developing science-based solutions for major challenges affecting modern horticulture, including:

• Climate change adaptation in agricultural systems
• Biodiversity conservation and pesticide reduction
• Healthy nutrition and food quality
• Sustainable and resource-efficient food production

IGZ research covers a broad spectrum, from molecular plant physiology and biochemistry to food security, human nutrition, and sustainable horticultural production systems.

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PhD Research Project Overview

The selected PhD researcher will join the research group Temperature Sensing in Plants within the Plant Adaptation programme area. The project aims to understand how intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) and prion-like domains (PLDs) regulate the activity of heat shock factors (HSFs) in the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana.

Heat shock factors play an essential role in plant survival by activating protective responses during temperature stress. Understanding these molecular processes may contribute to developing crops that are more resilient to increasing global temperatures. The research builds on recent findings demonstrating that Arabidopsis heat shock factors can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation in response to temperature changes.

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Position Details

Position Title: PhD Student (f/m/div) in Plant Biology
Reference Number: 09/2026/1
Research Field: Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Plant Stress Signaling
Location: Großbeeren, Germany
Duration: Three years (fixed-term contract)
Funding: DFG-funded research project
Doctoral Institution: University of Potsdam
Salary: Based on the German TV-L agreement, up to pay scale 13, with 65% of regular working hours depending on qualifications and research experience.

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Research Responsibilities and Tasks

The PhD candidate will conduct experimental research and contribute to scientific publications. Main responsibilities include:

• Designing and performing molecular biology experiments
• Cloning and generating genetic constructs
• Conducting plant growth and survival assays under heat stress conditions
• Performing protein biochemical analyses and purification
• Carrying out plant physiological measurements
• Conducting molecular investigations, including gene expression analysis
• Analysing experimental results using appropriate statistical approaches
• Preparing research manuscripts for international scientific journals
• Presenting findings at national and international conferences

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Eligibility Criteria and Required Qualifications

Applicants should have a strong academic background and research interest in plant science. Educational Requirements: Candidates should hold:

• A Master’s degree, Diploma, or equivalent qualification in:
  • Biology
  • Food Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Biosciences
  • Related scientific disciplines

Technical and Research Skills

Successful applicants should demonstrate:

• Knowledge of plant stress signalling mechanisms
• Experience in plant biology research
• Practical experience with cloning techniques
• Understanding of temperature sensing mechanisms in biological systems
• Experience with molecular biology methods
• Ability or willingness to develop statistical analysis skills
• Familiarity with scientific data interpretation

Additional Skills

Candidates should also have:

• Strong written and spoken English skills
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to work independently and responsibly
• Strong organisational skills
• Teamwork ability within an international research environment

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Benefits of the PhD Position

The IGZ provides a supportive environment for early-career researchers with access to advanced scientific facilities. Benefits include:

• Opportunity to complete a doctoral degree in plant biology
• Participation in a cutting-edge interdisciplinary research project
• Access to modern laboratory facilities near Berlin and Potsdam
• International and collaborative research environment
• Supportive workplace culture
• Flexible and family-friendly working arrangements
• Possibility of mobile working up to 50% of working time
• Subsidy for public transport tickets, including the Deutschlandticket

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Equal Opportunity and Diversity Statement

The Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops promotes equal opportunities and values diversity among its employees. Applications are welcomed from qualified candidates regardless of:

• Age
• Gender
• Sexual orientation
• Religion or belief
• Disability
• Ethnic background
• Personal identity

Applicants with disabilities receive preference when qualifications are equal.

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How to Apply for the PhD Position

Interested candidates should submit a complete application package in PDF format. Required documents include:

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Academic certificates (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
• Contact details of two academic references
• Earliest possible starting date
• Application Deadline: 5 July 2026
• Application Submission; Send applications by email to: bewerbung@igzev.de Applications must include the reference number: 09/2026/1

For research-related questions, contact: Prof. Dr. Philip Wigge, Phone: +49 (0)33701 78 411 Email: wigge@igzev.de

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for this PhD position in Plant Biology?

Applicants with a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in biology, biochemistry, biosciences, food chemistry, or related fields are eligible. Candidates should have experience or strong interest in plant molecular biology and stress responses.

2. Is this a fully funded PhD position in Germany?

Yes. The position is funded through a DFG-supported research project and includes salary according to the TV-L public sector pay agreement at up to 65% of pay scale 13.

3. Where will the PhD research take place?

The research will be conducted at the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) in Großbeeren, Germany, near Berlin and Potsdam.

4. Which research area does this PhD focus on?

The project focuses on plant temperature sensing, heat stress responses, heat shock factors, intrinsically disordered regions, and prion-like domains in Arabidopsis thaliana.

5. Is English required for this doctoral position?

Yes. Applicants should have good written and spoken English skills because the research environment is international and scientific communication is primarily conducted in English.

6. Can international students apply?

Yes. The position welcomes qualified candidates from international backgrounds who meet the academic and language requirements.

7. What laboratory techniques are expected from applicants?

Experience with cloning, molecular biology methods, protein biochemistry, plant experiments, and gene expression analysis is highly desirable.

8. Which university awards the PhD degree?

The doctoral degree can be obtained through the University of Potsdam.

9. What is the deadline for application?

The application deadline is 5 July 2026.

10. Why is this PhD important for future plant science?

Understanding how plants respond to heat stress is increasingly important because climate change affects crop productivity worldwide. Research in this area contributes to developing sustainable agricultural solutions.