Postdoc Position in Plant RNA Biology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany

Are you looking for a postdoctoral research opportunity in Germany? Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) is inviting applications for a full-time postdoctoral position in Plant RNA Biology within its Faculty of Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, and Molecular Plant Science division.

The position is part of the Wachter research group, which investigates how alternative RNA splicing regulates plant development and responses to environmental stress. The successful candidate will study the molecular functions of polypyrimidine tract-binding proteins (PTBs) in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, with a particular focus on drought tolerance and stress physiology.

The position offers an opportunity to contribute to interdisciplinary research combining molecular biology, RNA biochemistry, transcriptome-wide analysis, and plant physiology.

Position highlights

• Position: Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant RNA Biology
• University: Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU)
• Country: Germany
• Research group: Wachter Group
• Employment: Full-time (100%)
• Salary: EG 13 TV-L
• Duration: Initially three years
• Expected start date: January 1, 2027
• Application deadline: November 5, 2026

About Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz is one of Germany’s largest universities. Located in the Rhine-Main science region, JGU brings together researchers and students across a broad range of academic disciplines.

Most of its institutes are situated on a single campus close to Mainz city centre, supporting collaboration between research groups, teaching staff, and students from around the world.

The advertised position is based in the university’s Faculty of Biology, at the Institute of Molecular Physiology, within Molecular Plant Science.

About the Plant RNA Biology Research Project

The Wachter group investigates the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of alternative RNA splicing in plants. Its research examines how regulatory elements in RNA influence gene expression and how these processes contribute to plant development and stress responses.

The postdoctoral researcher will focus on polypyrimidine tract-binding proteins (PTBs), important regulators of alternative splicing in plants and animals.

Building on previous findings and ongoing transcriptome-wide research, the project aims to clarify how PTBs control splicing decisions and how those decisions influence plant physiology.

The research will use approaches including splicing-pattern profiling, iCLIP, and TRIBE. The successful candidate will help further develop analytical pipelines and integrate datasets to investigate PTB functions in Arabidopsis thaliana.

A key objective is to connect the molecular mechanisms of RNA splicing with physiological traits, including ABA-dependent seed germination and drought tolerance. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of how plants respond to environmental stress and how resilience could be improved.

Key Responsibilities

The selected candidate will contribute to experimental research, data analysis, teaching, and the supervision of other researchers.

Responsibilities include:

• Investigating PTB functions in Arabidopsis thaliana using a multidisciplinary approach.
• Combining molecular biology, RNA biochemistry, and plant stress physiology.
• Applying gene-specific and genome-wide techniques to study RNA biology.
• Developing an integrated framework for understanding PTB-regulated splicing and its physiological consequences.
• Examining the relationship between RNA splicing and drought stress.
• Assisting with laboratory organisation and general research-group activities.
• Contributing to teaching for bachelor’s and master’s students.
• Supervising PhD students and other group members.
• Presenting research findings at conferences and in scientific reports and manuscripts.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should have a strong academic background in molecular plant biology, RNA biology, or a closely related discipline.

The university specifies the following requirements:

• A completed university degree in Biology or a related field.
• A completed doctorate (PhD) in molecular plant biology or RNA biology.
• Experience with a range of molecular biology methods.
• A successful academic track record, demonstrated through publications, conference contributions, or comparable achievements.
• Very good English-language skills, at least at B2 level.
• Strong scientific curiosity, communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively.

Experience in plant stress physiology is an advantage but is not mandatory. Teaching experience is also desirable rather than essential.

Applicants must also meet the applicable public-service recruitment requirements, including the provisions referenced in Section 57 of the Higher Education Act of Rhineland-Palatinate.

Salary, Contract Duration, and Benefits

The position is classified under EG 13 TV-L, the salary classification specified in the vacancy announcement for public-sector employment.

The position is full-time and initially limited to three years. It is intended to support academic qualification through independent contributions to research and teaching, with habilitation or an equivalent qualification identified as a prerequisite.

According to the university, benefits include:

• Transparent public-sector remuneration.
• An annual special payment.
• A company pension scheme.
• A discounted Deutschlandticket for public transport.
• Flexible working-time arrangements.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Access to general university sports programmes.

The exact gross salary will depend on the applicable TV-L pay scale, experience, and recognised employment history. The vacancy announcement does not specify an individual net salary.

How to Apply

Eligible candidates should submit a complete application through the online application system using the “Apply now”

Prepare the following documents:

1. Cover letter.
2. Curriculum vitae (CV).
3. Academic certificates and degree documents, including German recognition where applicable.
4. References.
5. List of publications.
6. APPLY NOW

Applicants should make sure their documents clearly demonstrate their research experience, molecular biology skills, scientific achievements, and suitability for the project.

The application deadline is November 5, 2026. The advertisement does not specify the exact closing time, so candidates should submit their applications well in advance.

Contact Information

For questions about the research project or position, contact:

Prof. Dr. Andreas Wachter
Email: jobs-aw@uni-mainz.de

Research group website: https://mps-imp.biologie.uni-mainz.de/

University website: https://www.uni-mainz.de/

Application: Visit “Apply now”

Why Consider This Postdoctoral Opportunity?

This position may be particularly attractive to researchers interested in RNA processing, molecular plant biology, and the mechanisms plants use to respond to environmental challenges.

The project combines mechanistic investigation with genome-wide approaches and physiological research. It also includes opportunities to teach, supervise researchers, publish findings, and contribute to an international research team.

For applicants seeking to develop an independent academic profile in plant molecular biology, the three-year appointment offers a defined period for research and teaching contributions within a university environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this a funded postdoctoral position?

The vacancy is a salaried, full-time academic position classified under EG 13 TV-L. The announcement also lists employment benefits. It does not describe the opportunity as a separate scholarship.

3. When does the position begin?

The position can be filled from January 1, 2027.

4. How long is the contract?

The position is initially limited to three years.

5. Is a PhD required?

Yes. Applicants are expected to have completed a doctorate in molecular plant biology, RNA biology, or the specified relevant field.

6. Is German-language proficiency required?

The advertisement requires very good English skills at least at B2 level. German is listed as an advantage, not a mandatory language requirement.

7. Is experience in plant stress physiology compulsory?

No. Plant stress physiology experience is an advantage, but the announcement states that it is not mandatory.

8. What research techniques are relevant to the project?

The project includes molecular biology and RNA biochemistry, alongside transcriptome-wide approaches such as splicing-pattern profiling, iCLIP, and TRIBE. Applicants should review the research-group website for further scientific context.

9. How do I apply?

Prepare the cover letter, CV, academic certificates, references, and publication list. Submit the application through the “Apply now”

10. Who can I contact for further information?

Contact Prof. Dr. Andreas Wachter at jobs-aw@uni-mainz.de.