The Chair of Phytopathology at the Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Life Sciences

Doctoral student in the field of molecular plant pathology

26.06.2025, Wissenschaftliches Personal

Our group focuses on the role of RAC/ROP GTPase-mediated signalling at the plant–fungus interface and its contribution to cellular changes that facilitate the establishment of the powdery mildew Blumeria hordei in the cereal crop barley. Particularly in this project, we are interested in better understanding the molecular functions of RIC proteins, which have been identified as downstream interactors of barley RAC/ROP GTPases.

The Chair of Phytopathology at the Technical University of Munich,
TUM School of Life Sciences, hires a
Doctoral student in the field of molecular plant pathology
Crops are increasingly affected by microbial diseases, highlighting the need for durable and broad plant defence
strategies. Our research group investigates plant signalling pathways that contribute to fungal entry into host
epidermal cells and are actively manipulated by the pathogen to promote infection. Our primary goal is to
understand the molecular mechanisms allowing fungal entry, which may ultimately inform the identification of
potential targets for resistance breeding in the future.
Our group focuses on the role of RAC/ROP GTPase-mediated signalling at the plant–fungus interface and its
contribution to cellular changes that facilitate the establishment of the powdery mildew Blumeria hordei in the
cereal crop barley. Particularly in this project, we are interested in better understanding the molecular functions
of RIC proteins, which have been identified as downstream interactors of barley RAC/ROP GTPases. In
Arabidopsis, RICs are known to influence the actin cytoskeleton, raising the question of whether they also
contribute to cytoskeletal rearrangements required for successful fungal penetration in barley. To address these
questions, we employ an integrative approach that combines phenotypic and genotypic analysis of newly
generated overexpression and CRISPR-Cas9 knockout lines with infection assays, microscopy, proteomics,
and bioinformatics, aiming to further elucidate the molecular changes driven by ROP signaling contributing to
barley’s susceptibility to powdery mildew.
The ideal candidate should demonstrate a strong interest in hands-on research in molecular plant biology,
genetics, and microscopy. Prior knowledge and practical experience with CRISPR-Cas9 in plants and/or
molecular biology in plant-pathogen interactions are desirable. Proficiency in English, both written and spoken,
is essential. A very good Master’s degree in Biology or a closely related discipline is required.
The project will be carried out in the group of Prof. Dr. Ralph Hückelhoven under co-supervision by Dr. Sabine
Brumm at the TUM campus in Freising-Weihenstephan, close to Munich. The chair hosts several research
groups studying molecular biology of plant immunity and plant-plant pathogen evolution. In addition, we have
several collaborations both national and international and direct access to state of the art technology for
microscopy, proteomics, bioinformatics, all kinds of molecular biology and cell biology techniques and high
quality plant growth rooms and infection chambers.
The Technical University of Munich is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications
from qualified women and individuals with disabilities. The salary is according to German/Bavarian income level
TV-L E13 (65%). First contract is going to be restricted to two years time. Please send your comprehensive
application including a letter of motivation (1 page), your CV, all relevant certificates, list of publications, and
names of 2 potential referees as a single pdf file by email to: sabine.brumm@tum.de. Applications will be
reviewed regularly from July 10th 2025 on but accepted until a suitable candidate is found. Anyhow, applications
that arrive after August 31st likely cannot be considered.
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Website of Chair of Phytopathology
Dr. Sabine Brumm
TUM School of Life Sciences
Technische Universität München
Emil-Ramann-Str. 2
D-85354 Freising-Weihenstephan

Kontakt: sabine.brumm@tum.de