In the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, the research group of Dr. Clemence Marchal (Bluesky (@clemmar.bsky.social) or LinkedIn) invites applications for a
PhD position in biology (m/f/d) (1/2026)
2026-03-09
Your area of responsibility
Research topic:
Our newly established research group investigates how plant immune receptors cooperate to trigger an immune response and how to leverage this knowledge to develop strategies for sustainable disease resistance in crops.
Plants have evolved diverse immune receptors to perceive biotic stresses and trigger defence responses. Among these, Nucleotide-binding, Leucine-rich-Repeat proteins (NLRs) constitute a large family of intracellular receptors of pathogen-associated molecules, termed effectors. To restrict infection, NLRs trigger a response leading to cell death upon pathogen recognition. A recent evolutionary model proposes that NLRs have evolved from single units (singleton NLRs) able to both detect and respond to the presence of pathogen associated molecules to functionally specialised units that either detect the pathogen (sensor NLRs) or execute the immune response (helper NLRs). Some sensor and helper NLRs work as genetically linked pairs or complex interconnected networks. Importantly, both sensor and helper partners are required for resistance upon pathogen infection.
In the ERC-funded project “CooPAIRation”, we aim to harness the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of a wheat immune receptor pair to uncover the molecular mechanisms underpinning paired receptor compatibility and guide the design of optimised immune receptor pairs for disease resistance.
We are looking for a motivated candidate with a strong interest in plant immunity and plant-microbe interactions. Applications will be reviewed until the 09/03/2026 and interviews will be held shortly after.
Your tasks:
- Phylogenetic analyses
- Routine molecular biology work
- Protein biochemistry
- Immune response assays in plants and protoplasts.
- Documentation and presentation of results, drafting publications
- Lab supervision of students, support of guest scientists
Your profile
- Diploma or master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, or closely related field
- Very good English language skills (written and spoken)
- Independent and solution-oriented work ethic
- Interdisciplinary mindset and enthusiasm for teamwork
- Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
- Some lab experience in molecular biology and/or biochemistry
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Desirable, but not required, knowledge and skills include:
- Experience with plant work, preferentially Nicotiana benthamiana and/or grasses
- A good understanding of key concepts in plant–microbe interactions
We offer
- Modern Working Conditions: Comprehensive introduction to work techniques and a modern research environment with state-of-the-art equipment and up-to-date software
- Career Development: Targeted training opportunities and access to a specialized library with electronic resources and quiet workspaces
- Compensation & Security: Classification according to TV-L including annual bonus, pension scheme (VBL), health offers, and discounted canteen meals
- Ideal Working Environment: A varied and inspiring workplace in an international setting at a leading scientific and innovation hub
- Team Spirit and Leadership Culture: An open culture that strengthens teamwork, enables career networking, and promotes your research skills.
- Work-Life Balance: Flexible working models, remote work options, and 30 days of annual leave – for a balanced work-life experience.
Our benefits
Comprehensive introduction to work techniques and a modern research environment with state-of-the-art equipment and up-to-date software
Targeted training opportunities and access to a specialized library with electronic resources and quiet workspaces
Classification according to TV-L including annual bonus, pension scheme (VBL), health offers, and discounted canteen meals
A varied and inspiring workplace in an international setting at a leading scientific and innovation hub
An open culture that strengthens teamwork, enables career networking, and promotes your research skills.
Flexible working models, remote work options, and 30 days of annual leave – for a balanced work-life experience.
About us
The Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB) is a non-university research institution of the Leibniz Association on the Weinberg Campus of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. As a foundation under public law, the IPB is under direct supervision of the state of Saxony-Anhalt.
The IPB is an internationally recognized research institution and consists of four scientific Departments, additional independent junior research groups, and the Department Administration & Infrastructure (about 200 employees, including about 40 PhD students). Research at the IPB aims to understand the (bio)chemical basis of plant resilience and performance in challenging environments related to climate change. The IPB offers excellent research facilities and state-of-the-art infrastructure to investigate the chemical diversity, biochemical interactions, and biological roles of small natural molecules in plants and fungi, with an emphasis on specialized metabolites, chemical mediators, and relevant molecular networks of functional gene and protein regulation (https://www.ipb-halle.de/en/).
Contact person
Dr. Clemence MarchalResearch Associate
Telefon:
clemence.marchal@zmbp.uni-tuebingen.de
Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzenbiochemie (IPB)
Weinberg 3
06120 Halle (Saale)
The Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry is committed to equal opportunities, diversity and promoting a healthy work-life balance, and has been awarded the "Total E-Quality" rating for its efforts in this area. The IPB is also a member of the nationwide "Success Factor Family" corporate network and the Diversity Charter. Applications from severely disabled persons or applicants of equivalent status are expressly welcome. Further information on family friendliness, equal opportunities and diversity can be found at: www.ipb-halle.de/institut
