Research Assistant (PhD Candidate) in Molecular physiology of photosynthesis (m/f/x)

Offer Description

About us:

In AG Ferrari we study photosynthetic adaptations that allow plants to thrive under stress, with a special focus on non‑model plant species. Facultative plants that combine more than one photosynthetic type within a single organism (e.g., C3‑CAM, C4‑CAM plants, or C3‑C4 intermediates) are extremely fast‑responding and resilient. Our goal is to understand the molecular mechanisms contributing to their adaptability, signalling, biochemical adjustments, and triggers. To this end, we employ physiological, biochemical, and molecular approaches to investigate transcriptional, translational and post‑translational levels of regulation involved in photosynthetic changes.

We are looking for you:

Research Assistant (PhD Candidate) in Molecular Physiology of Photosynthesis (m/f/x)

Your tasks and responsibilities:

• Develop and conduct research on the regulation of C4‑CAM photosynthetic switch in Portulaca species, with a special focus on the role of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase in regulating this system.
• Perform experiments and generate data relevant to the project.
• Manage and analyse research data, publish research findings in peer‑reviewed scientific journals, present research results at inter‑national conferences.
• Supervise students at the Bachelor‑ and Master‑level.
• Contribute to teaching activities.
• Have completed (or are close to completing) a Master’s degree in Plant Science, Plant Biotechnology, Plant Biochemistry or a related field of study.
• Be enthusiastic about basic research and have a strong interest in plant physiology and photosynthesis.
• Have excellent English language skills (fluent). German skills are a plus.
• Possess previous wet‑lab experience (gas exchange, biochemical assays such as enzyme activity and metabolite quantification, molecular assays involving nucleic acid extraction, qRT‑PCR) and bioinformatic skills (e.g., R or Python programming for statistical and RNA‑Seq analysis, proteomics) – desirable.
• Be a team player, reliable, communicative, and flexible.
• Work independently and creatively with a high level of commitment – desirable.

We work closely with AG Kadereit and offer a stimulating research environment in a young and highly motivated, international team. Your workplace is located next to the Botanical Garden Munich‑Nymphenburg and offers office, laboratories, experimental greenhouse, and research facilities. The location is: Institute of Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants, LMU Munich (Menzinger Str. 67, 80638, Munich).

The position is remunerated according to the salary group TV‑L E13 (65%) and is limited to October 2029.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply. People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.

Contact:

Please send your application documents (letter of motivation describing how your expertise and ambitions match the research theme – max. one page; CV; name and contact information for your master’s thesis supervisor and one other reference; copies of degree certificates and transcripts) in one PDF via e‑mail to Prof. Dr. Renata Callegari Ferrari ( ) no later than August 5th 2026. For questions about the advertised position please contact Prof. Dr. Renata Callegari Ferrari exclusively via e‑mail.