PhD student (f,m,div) in Chemical Ecology of Plant Biotic Interactions

With its work, the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) contributes to a better understanding of plant systems and thus to the development of sustainable and resilient horticulture. The IGZ conducts research at the interface between plants, humans and the environment. In doing so, we address systemic and global challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, urbanization and malnutrition. We provide scientifically sound recommendations for healthy agri-food systems and sustainable interactions with the environment. The IGZ brings together a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. Employees with different backgrounds conduct research in national and international research co-operations. The IGZ is based in Großbeeren near Potsdam and near Berlin and is a member of the Leibniz Association.

The following position is available in the Institute from October 1,2024, limited for three years with prospect of a one-year extension, within a DFG-funded project:

PhD student (f,m,div)

in Chemical Ecology of Plant Biotic Interactions

Reference number: 17/2024/2

The salary will be based on qualification and research experience according to the wage agreement TV-L, up to pay scale 13, 65% of the regular working time. The conferral of a doctorate is possible at Friedrich Schiller University Jena.

This position will be embedded in the research group “Plant Biotic Interactions”, which aims to unravel the molecular and chemical mechanisms governing interactions between plants and organisms in their environment. The PhD project is part of the DFG-funded project "The costs and benefits of chemical defense in a specialist insect herbivore". The aim of this project is to assess the costs and benefits of the host plant-dependent chemical defense of the horseradish flea beetle (Phyllotreta armoraciae) by combining targeted genetic manipulation of a laboratory beetle population with field studies.

Tasks include

• generating CRISPR/Cas9 knock-out lines of flea beetles
• characterization of selected lines using quantitative PCR, enzyme activity assays, and chemical analyses
• bioassays with entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi and insect performance assays
• characterization of natural insect populations using molecular, chemical, and biochemical methods
• data processing and statistical analyses
• presentations of project results at national and international conferences
• writing scientific publications in internationally peer-reviewed journals

We are looking for candidates with

• a master degree in biology, plant sciences or equivalent, with emphasis on chemical ecology
• experience with rearing insects, designing and carrying out biological experiments and/or bioassays
• experience with molecular methods including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR and qPCR
• basic knowledge of statistics
• fluent in the English language, good communication skills
• good scientific writing skills in the English language
• a responsible personality who enjoys working in (international) teams

We offer

• an inspiring and dynamic research environment, including state-of-the art research facilities
• a committed and competent team and a challenging job combining fundamental and applied plant science
• very good further education opportunities
• flexible and family-friendly working time models and the possibility of mobile working (up to 50% of working time)

More information on about the IGZ you can find under www.igzev.de. For questions, please contact: Dr. Franziska Beran (fberan(at)ice.mpg.de).

We encourage a healthy work-life balance. The IGZ attaches great importance to equal opportunities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualifications. The IGZ embraces diversity in its workforce, and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, world view, disability and belief or ethnic origin. In an effort to increase the proportion of female employees in this area, we specifically urge women scientists to apply for the position.

Please send your application including a motivation letter, your CV, copies of academic certificates, and the names and addresses of two references by email to bewerbung(at)igzev.de in pdf format by August 5, 2024. Our postal address is: Personalbüro, Institute for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, D-14979 Großbeeren.