About the opportunity
The Kopriva lab at the University of Cologne’s Institute for Plant Sciences (CEPLAS) aims to understand how plants integrate the uptake and utilization of key mineral nutrients with their needs and demands, and how environmental changes and microorganisms affect this process. This specific doctoral project focuses on the control of sulfur metabolism, specifically investigating processes following sulfate resupply to sulfur-deficient plants to identify sulfate sensing and signaling mechanisms through the analyses of transcript decay mechanisms and mRNA degradation kinetics.
Salary and benefits
- Opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree.
- Salary based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector (subject to qualifications).
- Diverse working environment with equal opportunities.
- Support in balancing work and family life.
- Flexible working time models.
- Extensive advanced training opportunities.
- Occupational health management offers.
Who can apply?
- Master of Science (MSc) or equivalent degree in Biology or a related field.
- Experience in plant biology and molecular biology.
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.
- Motivation and interest in understanding the mechanisms of biological processes.
- Experience in plant nutrition or analysis of Arabidopsis mutants is desirable.
Required documents
- Proof of required qualifications (without a photo).
When to apply
- Application deadline: 31 August 2026.
- Position available from 1 January 2027.
How to apply
- Apply online via the University of Cologne job portal at https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de.
- Include proof of required qualifications.
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Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Biology or life sciences graduates with a Master's degree and a passion for plant molecular biology.
- Candidates with prior experience in plant nutrition or Arabidopsis research who want to specialize in sulfur metabolism.
- Researchers looking for a fully-funded doctoral position within a well-regarded institute like CEPLAS.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is strictly on-site in Cologne, requiring relocation to the area.
- The work involves specific technical skills such as mRNA degradation kinetics and transcript decay analysis, which may require a steep learning curve if not already mastered.
- Applicants must meet the German TV-L salary requirements, which are subject to individual qualification verification.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This doctoral position is an excellent opportunity for a student aiming to build a career in plant sciences. It provides the resources and mentorship necessary to conduct high-level research on nutrient signaling, setting the stage for a future in academic or agricultural biotechnology research.
Our take
A great match for motivated Master's graduates in biology interested in plant nutrition and molecular signaling. Those who prefer computational-only research or who cannot relocate to Cologne should consider other options.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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