Independent Junior Research Group Leader in Plant Stress Biology at University of Göttingen, Germany
The University of Göttingen has announced an exciting academic career opportunity for an Independent Junior Research Group Leader (all genders welcome) in the field of Mechanisms of Biotic and/or Abiotic Stress Biology in Plants.
Hosted by the Albrecht-von-Haller Institute for Plant Sciences – Cell Biology of Plants, this position is ideal for outstanding postdoctoral researchers or early-career scientists who are ready to establish an independent research program at one of Germany’s leading research universities.
The appointment begins on 1 January 2027 and offers an initial three-year contract, with the possibility of a further three-year extension following a successful interim evaluation.
If you are looking to build an independent research career in molecular plant sciences, plant stress biology, or related disciplines, this opportunity provides excellent infrastructure, academic freedom, and strong career development support. The Independent Junior Research Group Leader position at the University of Göttingen is an outstanding opportunity for talented early-career scientists aiming to establish themselves as independent research leaders in plant biology.
With competitive funding, state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship, and the freedom to develop an internationally recognized research program, this role provides an excellent platform for building a long-term academic career in Germany. Candidates should prepare a strong research proposal and complete their application before 15 September 2026 to be considered.
Position Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Independent Junior Research Group Leader |
| Institution | University of Göttingen |
| Institute | Albrecht-von-Haller Institute for Plant Sciences |
| Department | Cell Biology of Plants |
| Country | Germany |
| City | Göttingen |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Salary Scale | TV-L E13 (100%) |
| Starting Date | 1 January 2027 |
| Initial Contract | 3 Years |
| Extension | Up to 3 Additional Years (Subject to Evaluation) |
| Application Deadline | 15 September 2026 |
About the Research Position
The successful candidate will establish an independent and internationally competitive research program that complements the activities of two renowned research groups:
- Plant Cell Biology (Prof. Volker Lipka)
- Molecular Stress Physiology of Plants (Prof. Salma Balazadeh)
The university is seeking innovative researchers whose work advances understanding of how plants respond to environmental and biological challenges.
Research Areas of Interest
Applicants may propose research in a broad range of topics, including but not limited to:
- Molecular mechanisms of plant responses to biotic stress
- Molecular mechanisms of plant responses to abiotic stress
- Plant immunity
- Plant–microbe interactions
- Beneficial microorganisms in agriculture
- Pathogen–plant interactions
- Plant resilience and adaptation
- Stress signaling pathways
- Molecular plant sciences
- Environmental stress biology
- Functional genomics
- Cellular responses to stress
Researchers with innovative interdisciplinary approaches are especially encouraged to apply.
Who Should Apply?
The University of Göttingen is looking for ambitious researchers with strong scientific achievements and leadership potential.
Applicants should have:
- An outstanding university degree
- An excellent doctoral degree (PhD)
- Significant postdoctoral research achievements or equivalent scientific accomplishments
- Expertise in molecular plant sciences, plant stress biology, or a closely related field
- An excellent international publication record
- Evidence of scientific independence
- Strong communication and leadership skills
- Professional proficiency in both German and English
Experience in securing competitive research funding is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to build an independent academic profile through research, teaching, and scientific leadership.
Responsibilities include:
Establish an Independent Research Program
Develop and lead an internationally competitive research group focused on plant stress biology.
Secure Competitive Research Funding
Actively apply for external funding from organizations such as:
- German Research Foundation (DFG)
- European Union funding programs
- European Research Council (ERC)
- Scientific foundations
The successful applicant will also participate in collaborative national and international research projects.
Teaching and Student Supervision
Academic duties include:
- Teaching approximately 4 semester hours per week (4 SWS)
- Supervising Bachelor’s students
- Supervising Master’s students
- Mentoring doctoral researchers
Scientific Leadership
Represent the research field through:
- International collaborations
- Scientific conferences
- Academic networking
- Research partnerships
What the University Offers
Academic Independence
Researchers are given the intellectual freedom to establish and manage their own internationally competitive research program.
Outstanding Research Infrastructure
Successful candidates will receive access to:
- Dedicated laboratory space
- Office facilities
- Core research budget
- Modern molecular biology laboratories
- Climate chambers
- Advanced microscopy facilities
- Research platforms located in the Schwann-Schleiden Research Centre
- Additional scientific infrastructure on Göttingen’s North Campus
Career Development
The University of Göttingen offers extensive professional development opportunities, including:
- Mentoring programs
- Grant-writing support
- Leadership training
- Professional skills development
- Career advancement opportunities
- Possibility of completing a Habilitation
Employment Conditions
The appointment is governed by the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG).
The position offers:
- Full-time employment
- TV-L E13 salary scale
- Initial three-year appointment
- Possibility of extension for another three years following a successful evaluation
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Göttingen is committed to creating an inclusive academic environment.
The university:
- Strongly encourages qualified women to apply in underrepresented fields.
- Supports work-life balance through family-friendly policies.
- Welcomes applications from candidates with severe disabilities.
- Gives preference to equally qualified applicants with severe disabilities, in accordance with German regulations.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should combine the following documents into one PDF file:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Publication list
- Academic certificates
- Contact details for two referees
- Two-page outline of the proposed future research program
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted no later than:
15 September 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials well before the deadline.
How to Apply
Please submit your complete application documents (including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, publication list, academic certificates, contact details of two referees, and a two-page outline of your future research program) as a single PDF file. The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified
women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life.
The University is particularly committed to the professional participation of severely disabled employees and therefore welcomes applications from severely disabled people. In the case of equal qualifications,
applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preference. A disability or equality is to be included in the application in order to protect the interests of the applicant.
Please upload your application in one pdf file including the usual documents until 9/15/2026 on the application portal of the university using this link: http://obp.uni-goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/Index/76569. For more information get in touch with Volker Lipka directly via E-Mail: Volker.Lipka@biologie.uni-goettingen.de, Tel. +49 551 3928401 .
Contact Information
For academic inquiries regarding the position, applicants may contact:
Prof. Dr. Salma Balazadeh
Email: salma.balazadeh@uni-goettingen.de
Prof. Dr. Volker Lipka
Email: Volker.Lipka@biologie.uni-goettingen.de
Telephone: +49 551 3928401
Why This Opportunity Is Worth Considering
This position offers a rare opportunity for early-career researchers to transition into scientific leadership while maintaining research independence.
Key advantages include:
- Independent research group leadership
- Competitive German academic salary (TV-L E13)
- Access to world-class laboratory facilities
- Strong mentoring and career support
- Opportunities to secure international research funding
- Collaboration with leading plant scientists
- Potential six-year career pathway
- Excellent environment for future professorship applications
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | Currently Open |
| Application Deadline | 15 September 2026 |
| Employment Begins | 1 January 2027 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for this position?
Researchers with an outstanding PhD and a strong background in molecular plant sciences, plant stress biology, or closely related disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Is this a permanent position?
No. The appointment is initially for three years, with the possibility of a three-year extension after a successful interim evaluation.
What salary does the position offer?
The position is offered under TV-L Entgeltgruppe 13 (100% full-time), the standard German public-sector salary scale for research positions.
What research topics are suitable?
The university welcomes proposals covering plant responses to biotic and abiotic stress, plant–microbe interactions, molecular stress biology, and related areas in plant science.
Is previous grant funding experience required?
No. Previous experience obtaining external research funding is beneficial but not required.
Will I have teaching responsibilities?
Yes. The successful candidate will teach approximately 4 semester hours (4 SWS) per week and supervise undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit:
- Cover letter
- CV
- Publication list
- Academic certificates
- Two referee contacts
- Two-page future research proposal
All documents must be merged into a single PDF before submission.
When does the position start?
The appointment is scheduled to begin on 1 January 2027.
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