PhD Opportunity in Cutting-Edge Plant RNA Research

PhD Opportunity in Cutting-Edge Plant RNA Research in Berlin, Germany – 65% part-time, > 3 years

Are you passionate about plant biology, RNA research, and innovative science?

Join us at the forefront of plant acclimation research with the Collaborative Research Centre (SFB) "The Green Hub – Central Coordinator of Acclimation in Plants" in Berlin, one of the most vibrant and scientifically stimulating cities in the world. Berlin is not only consistently ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities but is also home to one of the largest and most dynamic RNA research communities in Europe, offering a thriving environment for ambitious young scientists.

Why Join Us?

Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), this prestigious program unites nineteen leading research groups across four major institutions in Berlin, Munich, and Kaiserslautern. Our mission is to unravel how chloroplasts sense and adapt to environmental challenges, particularly temperature stress. As a PhD candidate, you will be immersed in an exciting interdisciplinary community, offering a wealth of opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and personal growth. This is more than just a PhD; it's a chance to be part of a large-scale collaborative project at the interface of molecular biology, plant sciences, and cutting-edge technologies.

About the Project and Lab

This PhD position is offered in the Molecular Genetics lab of Christian Schmitz-Linneweber at Humboldt University Berlin. Our lab is exploring the fascinating behavior of RNA binding proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana that form dynamic, liquid-like droplets within chloroplasts, a process driven by prion-like domains in response to low temperatures. This phenomenon, known as phase separation, plays a crucial role in temperature-sensitive RNA processing (doi: 10.1093/plcell/koae145).

You will work with state-of-the-art technologies, including:

• Cell Biology: transfections, nano-body based protein detection, and super-resolution microscopy;
• Biochemistry: phase-separation assays; proximity labeling;
• Molecular Biology: protein-RNA interaction studies (CLIP), and small RNA sequencing (small RNA-Seq).

Through this research, you will contribute to a deeper understanding of plant adaptation mechanisms—a key area for addressing global adversities like temperature-challenged crop plants.

What We Offer:

• A supportive environment: You will be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team, with frequent opportunities to present, discuss, and advance your research, embedded into the Graduate Centre for Life Sciences at HU Berlin.
• Cutting-edge facilities and resources: Access to top-tier equipment and expertise across multiple institutions.
• Personal and professional growth: We prioritize mentorship, training in both technical and transferable skills, and exposure to international research environments.
• Funding and flexibility: The position is fully funded for 3.5 years, with potential for extension, providing security as you develop your scientific career.

If you're an ambitious young scientist excited about plant and or RNA biology and eager to push the boundaries of what we know about environmental acclimation, we encourage you to apply!

Requirements:

• completed degree in biology, biochemistry, or other life sciences;
• basic knowledge of molecular biology;
• knowledge in the field of RNA biology and/or molecular plant sciences is desirable;
• ability to work in a team and high motivation.

Please send your application, preferably in 1 PDF, quoting our Ref. DR/137/24

by 12^th December 2024 by email to:

bewerbungen-molgen@hu-berlin.de

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