Research Assistant in Molecular Stress Physiology of Plants

At the University of Göttingen -Public Law Foundation-, Albrecht von Haller Institut Abteilung Molekulare Stressphysiologie der Pflanzen, there is a position as

to be filled. Starting date is 1/1/2027. The position is limited to 31.12.2028 with the possibility of extention.

Project description

Plant-associated microorganisms, particularly beneficial bacteria, play a crucial role in plant growth, development, and adaptation to environmental challenges. This project aims to identify beneficial bacterial strains that enhance plant resilience to drought stress and to elucidate the molecular, genetic, and biochemical mechanisms underlying these interactions. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding how bacterial signals reshape root development, water-use efficiency, stress signaling pathways, and long-term acclimation processes to improve plant performance under water-limited conditions.

The successful candidate should have a strong background in plant-microbe interactions, with particular expertise in beneficial bacteria and their effects on plant physiology and development.
Experience with microbiological methods, bacterial isolation and characterization, as well as expertise in plant stress biology, molecular biology, genetics, and transcriptomic approaches, including RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and genome analysis, is required. Experience with comparative genomics would be an advantage.

Your Tasks

1) Conduct innovative and independent research to identify beneficial microorganisms and elucidate the mechanisms underlying plant-microbe interactions and publish the results in peer-reviewed molecular journals.
2) Contribute to grant acquisition, including the preparation of funding proposals. 
3) Support teaching activities within the Department of Stress Molecular Physiology of Plants, including:

• delivering lectures in the Master's program in Molecular Life Sciences;
• supervising practical courses for the Bachelor's programs in Biology and Biochemistry and the Master's program in Molecular Life Sciences;
• supervising undergraduate and graduate students during laboratory rotations and Bachelor's and Master's thesis projects.

4) Contribute to collaborative research activities within the department and with external partners.

What we are looking for

• A completed university degree in plant molecular biology, plant sciences, genetics, or a related discipline, as well as a completed doctoral degree (PhD)
• Expertise in plant-microbe interactions, with a particular focus on beneficial bacteria
• Experience with microbiological methods, including bacterial isolation, cultivation, and characterization
• Expertise in plant stress biology and plant physiology
• Experience with molecular biology, genetics, and biochemical approaches
• Experience with transcriptomic and genomic analyses, including RNA sequencing (RNA-seq)
• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• Interested in teaching and supervising undergraduate and graduate students
• Strong organizational skills, a structured and reliable working style, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Motivation to contribute to grant writing and collaborative research activities

The position is initially offered for two years and may be extended based on excellent performance.
The position is initially offered for two years and may be extended on the basis of excellent performance and the availability of funding. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and supportive research environment that encourages scientific independence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development.

Applications should be submitted as a single PDF file via the application portal of the university. 

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 9/30/2026 on the application portal of the university using this link: http://obp.uni-goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/Index/76622. For more information get in touch with Salma Balazadeh directly via E-Mail: salma.balazadeh@uni-goettingen.de, Tel. +49 55139-28421 .

Please note:
With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data-protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage is provided in the Information General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

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