Postdoc (m/f/d) position on synthetic approaches to promote arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis

Postdoc (m/f/d) position on synthetic approaches to promote arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis

The MPI of Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam is looking for a Postdoc (m/f/d) in the group „Mycorrhiza and Root Biology” of Prof. Dr. Caroline Gutjahr.

The latest starting date is the 1st May 2026.

Background

The candidate will conduct high impact research on plant molecular mechanisms that promote the formation of spores of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi. Arbuscular mycorrhiza is a symbiosis between about 80% of land plant species and fungi of the Glomeromycotina that improves plant nutrition with mineral nutrients. The fungi transfer mineral nutrients from the soil, especially phosphate to the plant, and receive carbon sources in the form of hexoses and lipids in return. The postdoc will be embedded in the project “AMFactory”, which is is based on a multidisciplinary collaboration with the ambition to bridge the gap between the contaminant-free production of AMFs in root organ cultures and their mass-production in bioreactors at low costs, making EU worldwide competitive on the market of AMF bioinoculants. It involves collaboration with the labs of Prof. Stéphane Declerck (UCLouvain, Belgium), Prof. Inge van Bogaert (University of Gent, Belgium), Prof. Claire Stanley (Imperial College London, UK) and Prof. Andre Genre (University of Turin, Italy).

What we expect:

• A doctoral degree (or being close to its finalization) in Biology or a related subject, preferably with a specialization in molecular, synthetic or plant molecular biology
• Experience in:
  • Molecular biology techniques
  • Synthetic biology is a strong plus
  • Molecular biology of arbuscular mycorrhiza is a strong plus
  • Handling of plants and/or fungi
  • Plant transformation, tissue culture
  • Statistical data evaluation methods
• A minimum of one first author publication in a respected international research journal
• Very good command of English (oral and written)
• Curiosity, a strong motivation to excel in science, and a ‘can-do’ attitude
• A collaborative mind-set and good communication skills
• Efficiency and good organizational skills
• A positive attitude towards interacting with colleagues from different backgrounds and cultures

The project is NOT suitable for persons with a background in ecology, agronomy or agricultural sciences , except if the background includes a strong training in molecular and/or synthetic biology.

What we offer:

• Postdoc position for initially two years with possibility for extension for up to three years, paid according to German public service pay scale (E13 TVöD Bund)
• Support and mentoring for scientific and career development
• A stimulating environment in a dynamic, international team of cooperative and motivated scientists
• Access to the infrastructure of one of the leading plant science institutes
• Working in the beautiful town of Potsdam and near by the exciting urban area of Berlin

How to apply:

Please upload your application by 31st January 2026 here. Please DO NOT apply by email.

Screening of applications will start at the 1st of January and if a highly suitable person is found an offer may be made before the 31st of January .

Please include these documents into your application:

• CV
• Publication list
• Contact information of minimum 2 referees (no reference letters)
• Motivation letter explaining why you are interested in the project, in joining the group and why you are the right person to make progress in the field. Candidates are invited to read the major publications of our group before application.

For further information please contact Caroline Gutjahr. If you want to know more about the institute or the group, please have a look on our homepage.