PhD position in the field of plant sciences/transcriptome analyses

Your Job:

Crop plants are heavily exposed to the influence of climate change. Associated extreme temperatures as well as drought can negatively affect the yield and the quality of crops.
You will investigate the drought tolerance of ancient, domesticated crops and the influence of drought stress on accumulation of metabolites and on gene expression with particular focus on biosynthesis paths of secondary plant metabolites (flavonoids). Your tasks include the application of controlled stress treatments, phenotyping of stress responses with various sensors and gene expression studies in real time PCR as well as RNA sequences and transcription analyses with corresponding bioinformatic evaluations.
You will document your work and analyze and interpret the measured values obtained in the scientific context. You will present your results at project meetings and national and international conferences and publish them in scientific journals. Finally, you will summarize the results and publications you have obtained in your doctoral thesis.

Your Profile:

• An academic degree in the field of biology, horticulture, agriculture, completed at least with the overall grade “good”
• Knowledge and experience in plant cultivation under drought stress
• Knowledge and experience in the phenotyping of plants
• Practical experience in working with RNA (RNA extraction, RT-PCR, RNA sequencing)
• Knowledge in programming languages like R or Python for data manipulation and analysis
• Experience in quantifying plant metabolites with LC-MS
• High level of self-sufficiency
• Reliable and conscientious working style
• Excellent communication skills for exchange with colleagues and cooperation partners
• Impressed team capacity and the ability to cooperate cooperatively

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• A highly motivated working group and an international and interdisciplinary working environment in one of the largest research institutions in Europe
• Excellent scientific and technical infrastructure
• Possibility to participate in (international) conferences and project meetings
• Continuous professional support by your scientific supervisor
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
• Opportunity to develop your strengths, e.g. through a comprehensive training programme; a structured programme including continuing professional development and networking opportunities specifically designed for Jülich’s doctoral researchers by the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors (JuDocS): https://go.fzj.de/JuDocs

In addition to exciting tasks and the collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/julich-as-an-employer/benefits

The position is initially for a fixed term of 3 years but with the prospect of longer-term employment. The salary is in line with pay group 13 (65 %) of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund). In addition, an annual special payment is granted (“Christmas payment”), which amounts to 60 % of the monthly salary. The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 66 of the PDF download https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed

Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich (including its various branch offices) is available at https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/phd.

We particularly welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds (e.g. regardless of age, gender, disabilities, sexual orientation/identity, as well as social, ethnic, and religious background). We strive to offer a diverse and inclusive working environment in which people enjoy equal opportunities and are able to fulfill their potential.