Doctoral student position on sustainable crop improvement

The Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME conducts applied life sciences from the molecule to the ecosystem. It is our vision to pave the way to a sustainable future through applied life sciences.

The department of \“Photosynthesis and Biohybrid systems\“ in Aachen conducts research in a broad range of topics, with one of our central focusses being the development of holistic approaches to enhance carbon fixation and increase yield in major C3 crops under diverse environmental conditions. Our overarching goal is to contribute to global food security in the context of climate change and population growth. Previous work within the EU project PhotoBoost has yielded valuable insights into engineering of photosynthesis to improve productivity in potato and rice.

We are now launching a new initiative focused on developing climate-resilient crop varieties with enhanced photosynthetic performance and increased grain yield. This PhD project will play a central role in addressing the widening gap between food production under a changing climate and demand.

What you will do

• Construction of multi-gene plant expression constructs
• Plant transformation and regeneration
• Characterization of transgenic lines with stable integration of photosynthetic enhancement traits
• Photosynthetic and phenotypic evaluation of elite lines across diverse stress condition
• Publications, patents, presentations

What you bring to the table

• A Master\’s degree in molecular plant sciences or a related field
• Strong interest in photosynthesis, genetic improvement, and sustainable agriculture
• Practical experience in plant molecular biology, transformation techniques, and/or photosynthesis research is an asset
• Strong English language skills, as you will be working in a diverse, international team, where English is the primary language of communication

Your professional qualifications are complemented by strong analytical skills, a structured and independent work style, high self-motivation, and a genuine enthusiasm for teamwork.

What you can expect

• A multidisciplinary, highly collaborative, friendly and mission driven environment
• A positive and appreciative institutional culture that fosters creative thinking and innovation action
• Strong doctoral supervision and comprehensive support to develop research skills and advance your scientific competencies, including opportunities for publishing and proposal development
• A wide range of goal-oriented development opportunities supported through individually tailored training programs including a well-established doctoral training program
• An excellent network of internationally renowned scientists and within the Fraunhofer Society
• A company pension scheme (VBL) and capital-forming benefit

We value and promote the diversity of our employees\‘ skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity.Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

The position is initially limited to two years.

Remuneration is in accordance with TVöD EG 13 (1/2 position). The weekly working time is 39 hours.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position, please contact:

Dr. Greta Nölke

Phone: +49 241 608512452

E-mail:

Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Division Molecular Biotechnology

Requisition Number: 79610

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