PhD student (f/m/d) in the field of plant biochemistry and food chemistry

With its work, the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) contributes to a better understanding of plant systems and thus to the development of sustainable and resilient horticulture. The IGZ conducts research at the interface between plants, humans and the environment. In doing so, we address systemic and global challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, urbanization and malnutrition. We provide scientifically sound recommendations for healthy agri-food systems and sustainable interactions with the environment. The IGZ brings together a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. Employees with different backgrounds conduct research in national and international research co-operations. The IGZ is based in Großbeeren near Potsdam and near Berlin and is a member of the Leibniz Association.

The following position is to be filled at the institute at the earliest possible date, for a fixed term of three years, as part of the Leibniz Association funded project “PhytoM - Leibniz Professorship for Phytonutrient Management” at the Technische Universität Berlin:

PhD student (f/m/d) in the field of plant biochemistry and food chemistry

Reference number: 07/2025/3

The salary will be based on qualification and research experience according to the wage agreement TV-L, up to pay scale 13, 65% of the regular working time. The conferral of a doctorate is possible at Technische Universität Berlin.

The position is part of the research group Quality.2 (Optimisation of glucosinolate degradation pathways) in the programme area ‘Plant Quality and Food Security’ (QUALITY). The aim of the research project “PhytoM” is has the goal to mechanistically explore the interaction of phytonutrients in the plant-environment response in order to enhance and secure the nutritional quality of vegetables under changing climatic conditions and under the impact of the food supply chain, including food processing. In this context, the aim of the PhD project is to investigate the influence of drought stress on sulphur-containing plant compounds in Brassica vegetables and to understand the role of glucosinolate degradation for drought stress tolerance.

Tasks include

• planning and conducting plant cultivation experiments under controlled conditions
• chemical analysis of plant secondary metabolites using HPLC-MS and GC-MS
• protein isolation and characterization using LC-MS
• plant physiological measurements
• molecular biological investigations (e.g., gene expression analyses)
• analysis and publication of results in international journals
• presentation of results at national and international specialist events

We are looking for candidates with

• a university degree (Master's/Diploma) in biology, food chemistry, biochemistry, biosciences or a related subject area
• sound knowledge in the fields of plant cultivation and/or plant nutrition
• experience in the use of instrumental analytical methods such as HPLC-MS, GC-MS
• knowledge in the preparation of plant tissues for the extraction of natural substances
• experience in the application of molecular biological methods
• experience in the statistical analysis of research results or willingness to acquire such experience
• willingness to conduct a research stay for several month at another institute
• very good knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• very good written and spoken English skills
• self-motivated, independent and responsible working style and high organisational skills
• ability to work in a team and willingness to integrate into an international working environment

We offer

• the opportunity to work on an interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research project related to human nutrition
• a challenging position in plant science
• the opportunity to do a doctorate
• an inspiring and dynamic research environment with first-class laboratory facilities near Berlin and Potsdam
• a pleasant and appreciative working atmosphere flexible and family-friendly working time model and the possibility of mobile working (up to 50% of working time)
• subsidy for a company ticket for public transport or the Deutschlandticket (Germany ticket)

More information on about the IGZ you can find under www.igzev.de . For questions, please contact: Dr. habil. Franziska S. Hanschen (+49 (0)33701 78 250; hanschen(at)igzev.de ).

We encourage a healthy work-life balance. The IGZ attaches great importance to equal opportunities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualifications. The IGZ embraces diversity in its workforce, and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, world view, disability and belief or ethnic origin.

Please send your complete application (stating the reference number and including a motivation letter, your CV, academic certificates, and the names and addresses of two references incl. your earliest possible starting date) by email to bewerbung(at)igzev.de in pdf format by March 2, 2025.