PhD student (f/m/d) in the field of Root Anatomy Physiology

The research group [Genetics and Physiology of Root Development](https://www.ipk-gatersleben.de/forschung/physiologie-und-zellbiologie/genetik-und-physiologie-der-wurzelentwicklung) studies crop root anatomical and architectural traits. Research is mainly focused on cereals including barley, wheat, and maize. We aim to leverage high-throughput phenotyping to create knowledge about plant function at the physiological level and use forward genetics approaches to unravel the genetic architecture of root traits. We are currently conducting projects to characterize the function and genetic control of root anatomical and architectural traits to enhance plant stress tolerance. The position on Root Anatomy Physiology is in collaboration with Centre Mondial de l’Innovation of Roullier Group (Saint-Malo, France).

**Your tasks:**

- Root architectural and anatomical phenotyping using imaging and microscopy.
- Plant and root physiological measurements to determine the function of (interacting) root phenotypes.
- Functional-structural plant and mathematical modeling to determine the benefit of root phenotypes for stress tolerance. 
- Plant cultivation (wheat) in the greenhouse and field.
- Report your work in scientific journals and oral presentations.

**Your qualifications and skills:**

- You hold a MSc in plant science, crop science, biology, or related field.
- You have experience growing, managing, and phenotyping plants in the field and greenhouse.
- You have experience using modern approaches in root phenotyping, image analysis, or simulation modeling to understand the functional roles of plant roots in agroecosystems.
- You have good communication skills and will to collaborate with researchers from different disciplines.
- You have problem solving skills.

**You fit to us:**

- If you have a strong interest in plant physiology and root biology.
- If you have strong scientific curiosity and motivation.
- If you are able to work autonomously and in a team.

**We offer you:**

- the opportunity to work in a world-class research center with state-of-the-art facilities and scientists from all over the world.
- a collegial working atmosphere.
- an exciting 3-year PhD position, starting on 01.10.2024.
- a gross salary up to 65% E13 TV-L.
- Accommodation in IPK guest house (on request) 

If you need further information feel free to contact **Dr. Hannah Schneider** Tel.: +49 (0) 39482 5506.

**What you need to know:**

For us, your qualifications and strengths count. Therefore, everyone is welcome – independent of gender, origin, age, or disability. The IPK is striving to increase the proportion of women in sectors where they are underrepresented and, therefore, explicitly encourages qualified women to apply. Our institute has been certified for Career and Family (“berufundfamilie”), and we offer family-friendly working conditions and flexible working hours. The IPK has set a goal to employ more people with disabilities. Qualified applicants with a disability will be given preference.

**Your application:**

We are looking forward to receiving your [online-application](https://leibgate.pi-asp.de/bewerber-web/?xsrf=DF3B8AD2511FA16ECC6F8AF90A1F90C7&company=IPK-FIRMA-ID&tenant=&lang=D#position,id=8d769df2-de75-4502-93c2-bdc8ec8f24c3,popup=y) (http://www.ipk-gatersleben.de/en/job-offers/) by **12.09.2024.** If you have questions or require more information, please contact **Kerstin Schweigert** ([[email protected]](https://mailto:[email protected])). Please indicate the reference number **52/08/24** in your correspondence. **Foreign qualifications must carry out an equivalence test in Germany, which is subject to a fee. This must be presented in the event of a later hiring:** [https://zab.kmk.org/en/statement-comparability](https://zab.kmk.org/en/statement-comparability)

The [Molecular Plant Nutrition](https://www.ipk-gatersleben.de/en/research/physiology-and-cell-biology/molecular-plant-nutrition) research group investigates the transport and metabolism of minerals, their interactions with plant hormones and their role in physiological and morphological adaptations of plants to stress or agricultural production conditions.

**In collaboration with the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Faculty of Natural Sciences 3 we invite applications for a PhD position (m/f/d) at IPK Gatersleben** in the DFG-funded Integrated Research Training Group of the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) SNP2Prot "Plant Proteoform Diversity".

The position is funded from 1 October 2024 to 30 June 2028 in part time (65 %), subject to a positive funding commitment. Salaries will be according to Entgeldgruppe 13 TV-L, depending on the assigned tasks and individual qualifications.

**Your tasks:**

- Experimental research within the framework of the SNP2Prot subproject [C02 “Relevance of natural allelic variation in YUCCA genes for proteoform modulation, local auxin biosynthesis and phenotypic variation in Arabidopsis”](https://snp2prot.uni-halle.de/project-details-c/2/)
- Gene cloning, sequence and qPCR analyses
- recombinant expression of proteins and protein gel blot analyses
- confocal and fluorescence microscopy
- crossing, cultivation and phenotyping of Arabidopsis plants on synthetic media
- Presentation and publication of scientific data

The opportunity to obtain your own academic qualification as part of a doctorate is given.

**Your qualifications and skills:**

- An excellent MSc degree (or equivalent) in biology or biochemistry or a closely related subject
- A strong interest in project main focus
- Strong interest in the project focus
- Excellent English language skills (written and spoken)
- Highly motivated to work in a cooperative manner within the CRC

**For application use the online application form at** [https://blogs.urz.uni-halle.de/snp2prot/](https://blogs.urz.uni-halle.de/snp2prot/)

SNP2Prot currently provides additional free positions that you might be interested in. The online application form allows the simultaneous application for three projects of your individual preference. See an overview of all open positions here: [https://snp2prot.uni-halle.de/positions/](https://snp2prot.uni-halle.de/positions/)

The submission deadline is **June 30st, 2024**.

In case of queries concerning the application process or project-related questions please contact: [[email protected]](https://mailto:[email protected]), Tel.: +49 345 55-24834 or PI of the project **Prof. Dr. Nicolaus von Wirén**, Tel.: +49 39482 5-602, E-Mail: [[email protected]](https://mailto:[email protected])

**What you need to know:**

For us, your qualifications and strengths count. Therefore, everyone – independent from gender, origin, age, or possible disability – is welcome. The IPK is striving to increase the proportion of women in sectors where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages qualified women to apply. The IPK has set a goal to employ more people with disabilities. Qualified applicants with a disability will be given preference. Foreign qualifications must carry out an equivalence test in Germany, which is subject to a fee. This must be presented in the event of later hiring: [https://zab.kmk.org/en/statement-comparability](https://zab.kmk.org/en/statement-comparability)

This call for applications is subject to possible budgetary restrictions.
Application costs will not be reimbursed.