Doctoral position - Plant nutrition (f/m/x) Wiss2607-14 | Institute for Plant Sciences

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, sexual 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.

The reference number is Wiss .

The application deadline is 31 August 2026.

For further inquiries, please contact Professor Stanislav Kopriva at and take a look at our FAQs.