Doktorand:in in Pflanzenbiologie bei Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena

Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university with a strong research profile rooted in the heart of Germany. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light—Life—Liberty. It is closely networked with non-research institutions, research companies and renowned cultural institutions. With around 18,000 students and more than 8,600 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

The Division of Genetics, group Prof. Theißen, in the Matthias Schleiden Institute, of the Faculty for Biological Sciences seeks to fill the position of a

Doctoral Researcher in Plant Biology

commencing on March 1, 2024 or later, until the position is filled.

Research in our group is generally focused on the evolutionary developmental biology of plants, with special emphasis on MADS-domain transcription factors, miRNAs, flowers, fruits and seeds.

The major goal of our new project, entitled „MADS life on MAdLand II: Changes in DNA-binding specificity of MADS-domain transcription factors during the transition of plants to land“, is to better understand the role of MIKC-type MADS-domain transcription factors (MTFs) during the transition of plants to land. We have previously identified major changes in protein complex formation and DNA-binding between MTFs from charophyte algae and land plants (for a primer, see Theißen et al. (2016), Development 143, 3259-3271; Rümpler et al. (2023), Mol. Biol. Evol. 40, msad088), and will continue to study their mutational basis and biophysical, gene regulatory and phenotypic consequences. The project participates in the DFG priority programme 2237 „MAdLand - Molecular Adaptation to Land: plant evolution to change“.

Your responsibilities:

• The Ph.D. student will identify DNA-binding sites of an MTF mutant compromised in protein complex formation in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha in comparison to wild-type proteins employing ChIP-seq. Moreover, he/she will conduct RNA-seq followed by differential gene expression analysis using M. polymorpha wild-type plants, MTF knock-out plants and CRISPR-Cas9 edited mutants
• The Ph.D. student will reconstruct the evolution of an ancestral MTF with promiscuous DNA-binding specificity towards proteins of land plants that recognize more specific and distinct DNA-binding motifs. DNA-binding specificity of representative charophyte, Marchantia and Physcomitrium MTFs will be studied by competitive EMSA, SELEX-seq and site-directed mutagenesis
• The Ph.D. student will identify DNA-binding sites of MTFs in the genomes of charophyte species by DAP seq
• Besides doing lab work, the student is also expected to help with the writing of publications and work reports

Your profile:

• You hold an MSc-degree or equivalent in biology, biochemistry or a related field
• You have very good knowledge of molecular biology, including respective lab skills
• You have very good English language skills
• Previous experience with the model systems Marchantia polymorpha, charophytes, and of bioinformatics would be of advantage
• You are highly motivated to do basic research
• You like to work in a team and to cooperate with other research groups
• You have an interest in bioinformatics analyses of high-throughput sequencing data

We offer:

• Working and living in a young, international and collaborative research team
• Interdisciplinary research at the interface of plant molecular, developmental and evolutionary biology
• Excellent equipment and infrastructure
• Flexible working hours (flexitime and, if applicable, teleworking)
• Attractive fringe benefits, e.g. capital formation benefits (VL) and an occupational pension (VBL)
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at to salary scale 13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

The advertised position is offered as a fixed-term position for a maximum of 3 year(s).

This is a part-time position with 65% of the working hours of a full-time employee (26 hours per week).

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by 15.01.2024 using our online form.