Biologe (m/w/d) (Biologe/Biologin)

Doctoral position - Plant nutrition(f/m/x)

CEPLAS, Institute for Plant Sciences

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.
Kopriva´s lab aims to understand how plants integrate the uptake and utilization of key mineral nutrients with their needs and demands, and how changes in the environment affect this process. The lab also aims to understand the role of microorganisms in plant nutrition. The project specifically addresses control of sulfur metabolism. YOUR TASKS
The project aims to understand the control of processes following sulfate resupply to sulfur deficient plants and to help to identify sulfate sensing and signalling mechanisms. This will be achieved by comprehensive analyses of transcript decay mechanisms, a global assessment of sulfur-dependent changes in mRNA degradation kinetics, and a detailed dissection of the regulatory mechanisms governing rapid mRNA decay after sulfate resupply. The researcher will:

perform experiments, evaluate and interpret the data
present results at seminars, workshops, and international conferences
join the GSfBS graduate school and participate in training
YOUR PROFILE

an MSc (or equivalent degree) in Biology or a related field
experience in plant biology and molecular biology
excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken
motivation and interest in understanding the mechanisms of biological processes
experience in working on plant nutrition or analysis of Arabidopsis mutants is desirable
WE OFFER

exciting research and an opportunity to obtain a doctoral degree
a 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

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz - LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, personal orientation and identity.

The position is available from 1 January 2027 on a part-time basis (25,89 hours per week). The position is to be filled for a fixed term until 31 December 2029. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and has the appropriate personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications (without a photo) under https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The reference number is Wiss2607-14. The application deadline is 31 August 2026.

For further inquiries, please contact Professor Stanislav Kopriva at ([email protected]) and take a look at our FAQs.