Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB), Halle

In the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, the research group Symbiosis Signalling invites applications for a

(17/2025) (Salary group E13 TV-L, part-time 65%, limited for 3 years, start: as soon as possible)

in the trilateral program "Future Proofing Plants to a Changing Climate” (funded by DFG, UKRI-BBSRC, NSF, USDA-NIFA)

Who we are:

The research group Symbiosis Signalling explores the molecular dialogue between plants and microbes, with a focus on early root signalling events that enable symbiotic partnerships. Join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team where molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, and plant-microbe interaction research come together to advance sustainable agriculture and reduce reliance on pesticides and mineral fertilizers. Further information about the research group can be found on the homepage.

The Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB) is a non-university research institution of the Leibniz Association on the Weinberg Campus of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. As a foundation under public law, the IPB is under direct supervision of the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The IPB is an internationally recognized research institution and consists of four scientific Departments and additional independent research groups (approx. 200 employees, including around 40 doctoral students). Research at the IPB aims to understand the (bio)chemical basis of plant resilience and performance in challenging environments related to climate change. The IPB offers excellent research facilities and state-of-the-art infrastructure to study the chemical diversity, biochemical interactions and biological functions of small natural product molecules in plants and fungi (https://www.ipb-halle.de/en/).

Research topic:

Excessive phosphorus (P) fertilizer use has caused environmental contamination in some regions, while P-deficient soils and limited fertilizer access constrain crop production in others. Climate change and dwindling high-grade phosphate reserves are expected to worsen these challenges, as low soil moisture reduces P availability, driving up fertilizer demand and costs.

Most plants naturally partner with mycorrhizal fungi to boost P uptake, a relationship that dates back 450 million years and remains vital for major crops. Yet, these symbioses are not fully optimized for today’s intensive agriculture.

This project aims to uncover plant genetic mechanisms that coordinate mycorrhizal interactions with plant P and water status, root system development, and soil microbial communities. Using maize and rice as models, we will:

• Determine how plant P sensing and signalling influence mycorrhizal colonization and responses.
• Assess the relative importance of root traits, mycorrhizae, and rhizosphere processes for P efficiency under water stress.
• Validate findings under field conditions.

Our goal is to create a framework to optimize plant-mycorrhizal partnerships, enabling more efficient, resilient, and sustainable P use in agriculture.

Your profile:

• Diploma or Master’s degree in agricultural sciences, biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics or closely related field
• Very good English language skills (written and spoken)
• Independent and solution-oriented work ethic
• Interdisciplinary mindset and enthusiasm for teamwork
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
• Desirable knowledge and skills include:
  - Understanding of the principles that define DNA, RNA, protein structures, functions, dynamics and interactions
  - Experience in plant work, preferentially rice or maize
  - Experience in plant-microbe interactions

Our benefits:

• Excellent working conditions in an international environment
• Flexible and family-friendly working hours and the possibility of home-office
• Offer of professional training courses and measures for skill improvement
• Compensation according to TV-L (including annual special payment)
• Contribution to your company pension plan (VBL)
• On-site opportunities for health promotion

How to apply and information:

Please, contact Dr. Martina Ried-Lasi for additional information (mried(at)ipb-halle.de; Phone: +49 (0) 345 5582 1225)

Applications must include a cover letter describing research accomplishments and interests, a CV plus publication list, and contact details of 2 referees. Please send your complete application documents including the reference number 17/2025 exclusively by email to bewerbungen(at)ipb-halle.de.

Review of applications begins on August 15th and will continue until the position is filled.

Foreign qualifications must comply with German standards (TV-L-EntgeltO Protokollerklärung Nr. 1 Absatz 4) and be certified (equivalence test in Germany, subject to a fee) and presented to IPB Human Resources at the time of hiring: https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education

Diversity, family and equal opportunities:

The IPB aspires to the goal of equal opportunity, diversity, and the promotion of work-life balance as it was awarded the certificate "Total E-Quality". In addition, the IPB is a member of the nationwide company network "Success Factor Family" and of the "Diversity Charter” (Charta der Vielfalt).

Applications from disabled persons or applicants with equivalent status are expressly welcome.

Further information can be found at: https://www.ipb-halle.de/en/institute/

Data protection:

Please note the data protection information for applicants (m/f/d) according to Article 13 and 14 GDPR on data protection processing during the application process: