At the University of Göttingen -Public Law Foundation-, Albrecht von Haller Institut Abteilung Molekulare Stressphysiologie der Pflanzen, there is a position as
Research assistant (all genders welcome)
Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L/100%
to be filled. Starting date is 4/1/2026. The position is offered for a period of six years with the possibility to pursue a habilitation according to the German public service pay grade 13 TV-L (100 %).
Project description
Plants exposed to a mild heat stress can "remember" this experience and respond more effectively to a later, more severe stress. This thermomemory enables plants to maintain protection, stabilize essential processes, and recover more efficiently. Understanding how thermomemory is established and maintained is key to improving plant resilience as heat waves become more frequent.
Our project investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying thermomemory in Arabidopsis thaliana. Through natural variation, we have identified lines with enhanced thermotolerance, and genetic analyses have revealed candidate causal genes. In parallel, our reverse genetics work has uncovered novel transcription factors likely involved in regulating thermomemory.
The postdoctoral researcher will build on these findings by:
• Functionally characterizing the identified candidate genes and transcription factors
• Dissecting their downstream regulatory pathways using molecular, genetic, and cellular approaches
• Driving discoveries, including identifying additional regulators and uncovering previously unknown pathways that shape thermomemory
and contribute to improved heat stress resilience
Your Tasks
* Independent planning, execution, and analysis of experiments focused on the identification of regulators of thermomemory in plants
* Performing genetic analyses, including BSA and QTL mapping, to identify causal genes underlying the superior thermomemory of selected Arabidopsis accessions
* Functional characterization of newly identified transcription factors and their downstream pathways involved in thermomemory
* Analysis, interpretation, and organization of scientific datasets, as well as writing manuscripts for publication
* Contribution to grant acquisition, including assisting in the preparation of funding proposals
* Teaching support, including participation in practical courses for Medical students (the Bachelor programs in Biology and Biochemistry, and the Master's program in Molecular Life Sciences, as well as supervising students in the Vertiefungspraktikum
* Conducting literature research and preparing scientific reports and presentations
* Contributing to the scientific supervision of the laboratory and supporting the independent organization and coordination of workflows
What We Are Looking For
* Requirements include a completed university degree in Plant Molecular Biology, Plant Sciences, Genetics, or a related discipline and a completed doctoral degree (PhD) or PhD close to completion, ideally with the thesis submitted
* Strong experience in molecular biology and genetics, including BSA, QTL mapping, or related genetic approaches
* Experience with RNA-seq data analysis (experimental design, data processing, or downstream analysis)
* Expertise or strong interest in plant stress biology, particularly heat stress, thermotolerance, or thermomemory
* Experience with functional characterization of genes, transcription factors, or signaling pathways
* Interest in supervising students and contributing to teaching activities in practical courses
* Strong organizational skills, a structured and reliable working style, and the ability to work both independently and in a team
* Motivation to contribute to grant writing and collaborative research activities
* Very good command of English and German (written and spoken)
* A proactive mindset, scientific curiosity, and enthusiasm for working in an international and interdisciplinary research environment
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 1/2/2026 on the application portal of the university using this link:. 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)