PhD student: Plant RNA Biology

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz; Mainz; Vor Ort; EUR 50.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Remuneration according to TV-L

Flexible working hours

30 days vacation

Company pension scheme

Development opportunities

University sports programs

Zusammenfassung

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) is a large university in Germany with a campus close to Mainz city center, offering a dynamic academic environment. The Wachter group at the Institute for Molecular Physiology investigates RNA splicing and DEAD-box helicases in plants, using Arabidopsis thaliana as the primary model system.

The PhD project is funded by the DFG and part of theIPP in Mainz. The position is paid according to EG 13 TV-L and is limited to 3 years, aimed at obtaining a

Qualifikationen

• A successfully completed scientific university degree in Biology or in a related field.
• Practical experience with a spectrum of molecular methods.
• A background in plant molecular biology and/or RNA biology.
• Very good English language skills (at least level B2).
• A fascination for science, very good communication, and teamwork skills.

Aufgaben

• Applying state-of-the-art techniques for gene-specific and genome-wide analyses of RNA biology.
• Employing in vitro and in vivo experimental systems to address different levels of complexity and advance our understanding of the biological functions.
• Contributing to teaching activities for Bachelor’s and Master’s students within our group.
• Assisting with organizational and administrative tasks.
• Presenting your research findings in oral and written form, including conference contributions, reports, and manuscripts.

Kenntnisse

Molecular methods

Plant molecular biology

English proficiency

Teamwork

Ausbildung

Biology degree

Tools

Molecular biology tools

Jobbeschreibung

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) is one of the largest universities in Germany. Thanks to its location in the Rhine-Main science region, the university can unfold to its full potential and showcase its innovative power and dynamism. Its status as a comprehensive university allows for multidisciplinary learning and teaching and has great potential for internationally renowned, interdisciplinary research. Almost all of its institutes are located on a single campus close to the Mainz city center – creating a lively academic culture for researchers, teaching staff, and students from every continent.

The Wachter group at the Institute for Molecular Physiology (Faculty 10: Biology of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz) investigates the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of alternative RNA splicing in plants. Our recent work identified a structured mRNA element that regulates specific DEAD-box helicase genes and revealed their critical role in controlling alternative splicing. Intriguingly, these functions appear to be linked to unique C-terminal features of the respective helicases. As a member of an interdisciplinary and international research team, you will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the splicing-regulatory activity of these DEAD-box helicases, with a particular focus on the functional relevance of RGG motifs, subcellular localisation, and their potential involvement in phase separation. In collaboration with the Weinberg group (University Halle-Wittenberg), you will also explore how helicase targeting of pre-mRNA structural elements may intersect with the binding of splicing regulators to determine splice site choice. Your research will employ a multidisciplinary approach that integrates molecular biology, RNA biochemistry, cell biology, and plant physiology, with Arabidopsis thaliana as the primary model system. You will benefit from extensive expertise, various core facilities, and a completely new research infrastructure. The PhD project is funded by the DFG and can be integrated in the international PhD programme (IPP) in Mainz.

• Applying state-of-the-art techniques for gene-specific and genome-wide analyses of RNA biology, including transcriptome-wide profiling of alternative splicing and mapping of protein-RNA interactions
• Employing in vitro and in vivo experimental systems to address different levels of complexity and advance our understanding of the biological functions
• Contributing to teaching activities for Bachelor’s and Master’s students within our group
• Assisting with organizational and administrative tasks
• Presenting your research findings in oral and written form, including conference contributions, reports, and manuscripts

Your profile:

• A successfully completed scientific university degree in Biology or in a related field
• Practical experience with a spectrum of molecular methods
• A background in plant molecular biology and/or RNA biology
• Very good English language skills (at least level B2)
• A fascination for science, very good communication, and teamwork skills

In addition to the general requirements according to public services law, applicants must meet the recruitment requirements stipulated in § 57 of the Hochschulgesetz of Rhineland-Palatinate.

What we have to offer:

• Secure and transparent remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement of the federal states as well as additional benefits such as an annual special payment and company pension scheme
• Flexible working hours, 30 days' vacation and fair rules for balancing work and family life
• Together, we are advancing science and society on this lively and dynamic campus
• A wide range of offers for the development of your talents and perspectives
• Opportunity to participate in general university sports programs

The position is paid according to EG 13 TV-L and can be filled from 12/01/2026 on. The position is limited initially to a period of 3 years and serves the purpose of academic qualification to obtain a doctorate (PhD).

JGU is diverse and welcomes qualified applications from people with various backgrounds.

We aim to increase the number of women in the field of research and teaching and therefore encourage female researchers to apply.

People with severe disabilities and people with disabilities who are treated equally in accordance with Section 2 (3) SGB IX will be given preferential consideration if they are suitable.

You may only be employed in the civil service of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate if you can guarantee that you will uphold the free democratic basic order as defined in the Basic Law and the Constitution of Rhineland-Palatinate at all times.