Research assistant (all genders welcome)

An der Georg-August-Universität Göttingen Stiftung Öffentlichen Rechts – Albrecht von Haller Institut Abteilung Molekulare Stressphysiologie der Pflanzen ist ab dem 01.01.2027 eine Stelle alsResearch assistant (all genders welcome)- Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L - in Vollzeit (teilzeitgeeignet) zu besetzen. Die Stelle ist befristet bis .
Project description

Plant-associated microorganisms, particularly beneficial bacteria, play a crucial role in plant growth, development, and adaptation to environmental challenges. This project aims to identify beneficial bacterial strains that enhance plant resilience to drought stress and to elucidate the molecular, genetic, and biochemical mechanisms underlying these interactions. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding how bacterial signals reshape root development, water-use efficiency, stress signaling pathways, and long-term acclimation processes to improve plant performance under water-limited conditions.

The successful candidate should have a strong background in plant-microbe interactions, with particular expertise in beneficial bacteria and their effects on plant physiology and development.
Experience with microbiological methods, bacterial isolation and characterization, as well as expertise in plant stress biology, molecular biology, genetics, and transcriptomic approaches, including RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and genome analysis, is required. Experience with comparative genomics would be an advantage.

Your Tasks

1. Conduct innovative and independent research to identify beneficial microorganisms and elucidate the mechanisms underlying plant-microbe interactions and publish the results in peer-reviewed molecular journals.

2. Contribute to grant acquisition, including the preparation of funding proposals.

3. Support teaching activities within the Department of Stress Molecular Physiology of Plants, including:

   delivering lectures in the Master's program in Molecular Life Sciences;
   supervising practical courses for the Bachelor's programs in Biology and Biochemistry and the Master's program in Molecular Life Sciences;
   supervising undergraduate and graduate students during laboratory rotations and Bachelor's and Master's thesis projects.

4. Contribute to collaborative research activities within the department and with external partners.

What we are looking for

A completed university degree in plant molecular biology, plant sciences, genetics, or a related discipline, as well as a completed doctoral degree (PhD)
Expertise in plant-microbe interactions, with a particular focus on beneficial bacteria
Experience with microbiological methods, including bacterial isolation, cultivation, and characterization
Expertise in plant stress biology and plant physiology
Experience with molecular biology, genetics, and biochemical approaches
Experience with transcriptomic and genomic analyses, including RNA sequencing (RNA-seq)
Excellent written and spoken English skills
Interested in teaching and supervising undergraduate and graduate students
Strong organizational skills, a structured and reliable working style, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Motivation to contribute to grant writing and collaborative research activities

The position is initially offered for two years and may be extended based on excellent performance.
The position is initially offered for two years and may be extended on the basis of excellent performance and the availability of funding. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and supportive research environment that encourages scientific independence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development.

Applications should be submitted as a single PDF file via the application portal of the university. Die Universität Göttingen strebt in den Bereichen, in denen Frauen unterrepräsentiert sind, eine Erhöhung des Frauenanteils an und fordert daher qualifizierte Frauen nachdrücklich zur Bewerbung auf. Sie versteht sich zudem als familienfreundliche Hochschule und fördert die Vereinbarkeit von Wissenschaft/Beruf und Familie. Der beruflichen Teilhabe von schwerbehinderten Beschäftigten sieht sich die Universität in besondere Weise verpflichtet und begrüßt deshalb Bewerbungen schwerbehinderter Menschen. Bei gleicher Qualifikation erhalten Bewerbungen von Menschen mit Schwerbehinderung den Vorzug. Eine Behinderung bzw. Gleichstellung ist zur Wahrung der Interessen bereits in die Bewerbung aufzunehmen.Bitte reichen Sie Ihre aussagekräftige Bewerbung mit allen wichtigen Unterlagen bis zum 30.09.2026 ausschließlich über das Bewerbungsportal http://obp.uni-goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/Index/76622 ein. Auskunft erteilt Frau Salma Balazadeh, E-Mail: salma.balazadeh@uni-goettingen.de, Tel. +49 55139-28421Hinweis: Wir weisen darauf hin, dass die Einreichung der Bewerbung eine datenschutzrechtliche Einwilligung in die Verarbeitung Ihrer Bewerbungsdaten durch uns darstellt. Näheres zur Rechtsgrundlage und Datenverwendung finden Sie im Hinweisblatt zur Datenschutzgrundverordnung (DSGVO)