PhD position (f/m/x) in Molecular and Cellular Biology

Institute for Plant Sciences | CEPLAS

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

The Maekawa lab in the Institute for Plant Sciences is looking for a PhD student (f/m/x) to join its team to work within the scope of the Collaborative Research Centre 1403: Cell death in immunity, inflammation and disease. The successful candidate will be expected to apply cutting-edge imaging technologies as well as modern state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques for the analysis of plant MLKL proteins, regulators of immunity and cell death (Mahdi et al., 2020 Cell Host & Microbe, Shen and Hasegawa et al., 2024 Cell Host & Microbe). The project focuses on how plant MLKL proteins generate spatio-temporal immune signals.

YOUR TASKS

• You will work in close collaboration with other scientists on a project investigating plant MLKL-mediated immune signaling in Arabidopsis and other plant species (e.g. Barley, N.benthamiana).
• You will perform experiments, including experimental design, transcriptomics, proteomics, microscopy, cell death assays, etc.
• You will analyse experimental data, develop and validate scientific hypotheses.
• You will have the opportunity to participate in analyses comparing MLKL-mediated cell death in animals and plants.
• You will be responsible for the communication of results in scientific publications and presentations and the preparation of a dissertation on the results of your project.

YOUR PROFILE

• MSc (or equivalent) degree in the field of plant biology, molecular biology or a related discipline
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English
• Experience in a modern imaging technology (e.g. confocal fluorescence microscopy) or proteomic analysis of leaf apoplastic fluid is also highly desirable

WE OFFER

• A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
• Support in balancing work and family life
• Extensive advanced training opportunities
• Occupational health management offers
• Flexible working time models

The University of Cologne is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. Women are especially encouraged to apply and will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from people with disabilities/ special needs or of equal status.

The position is available immediately on a part-time basis (25,89 hours per week/65%). The position is to be filled for a fixed term until 31.12.2027. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

Please send your application with proof of the required qualifications without a photo to: tmaekawa@uni-koeln.de.

The reference number is Wiss2406-02. The application deadline is 03.07.2024.

Applications should consist of acover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications and the name of at least two academic referees (in one pdf-file).