The Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences CEPLAS invites applications for
12 Postdoctoral Research Associates (m/f/d)
Location: Düsseldorf/Cologne/Jülich/Gatersleben
Start date: 01.06.2026
Limited until: 31.05.2029
Your profile
- strong scientific background in molecular plant sciences, genetics, quantitative biology, computational biology or a related discipline
- PhD in a relevant field, preferably awarded within the past 2–3 years, or close to completion. Applicants nearing completion must have submitted their doctoral thesis
by the end of the selection process. - High level of English language proficiency
- Strong motivation to conduct scientific projects in an international, interdisciplinary research environment
- Motivation to contribute to a dynamic and diverse academic community
- Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills
- Motivation to actively plan your next career step
Our Offer
CEPLAS offers postdoc positions for three years for the following projects (details are
available at www.ceplas.eu):
1. Genetic architecture of photosynthetic traits in barley under dynamic light and
temperature conditions (S. Matsubara, FZJ)
2. Gene regulatory networks governing barley shoot development - from genes to growth in
4D (R. Simon, HHU)
3. Experimental evolution of plant-associated microbial communities (L. Rose, HHU,
R. Garrido-Oter, MPIPZ)
4. The Secret Lives of Soil-Borne Fungal Pathogens: Spatiotemporal dynamics of
intermicrobial interactions in natural soils (B. Thomma, UoC)
5. Tissue-Specific Immunometabolic Strategies in barley and Arabidopsis during Biotic
Stress (A. Zuccaro, UoC)
6. Soil-Inspired Microfluidics for Root–Microbe Dynamics (G. Grossmann, HHU)
7. GRN Foundry – Context-Aware Foundation Models for Plant Gene Regulation
(J.J. Szymanski, FZJ, T. Jores, HHU)
8. Synthetic bioprinted tissues for model-supported predictive analysis (M. Zurbriggen,
HHU)
9. GRNs governing barley shoot development galore - towards 4D data across many
accessions BARVISTAnext (B. Usadel, FZJ)
10. Understanding the structure-function relationship of leaf photosynthesis through multiscale
modelling (N. Töpfer, UoC)
11. Understanding and engineering carbon allocation strategies and root trait outputs for
improved phosphorus acquisition (R. Giehl, IPK)
12. Developing trans-generationally stable centromere elimination (K. Schneeberger,
MPIPZ/HHU)
CEPLAS creates a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research environment in plant
science. We offer state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, as well as a comprehensive
training program for early career researchers tailored to your respective career level.
The place of employment is determined by the respective research project. The employment
is limited to a period of three years, starting on June 1, 2026 (or as agreed).
We offer qualification positions within the meaning of the Act on Fixed-Term Employment
Contracts in Academia (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz-WissZeitVG), which serves to
promote the scientific qualification of the employee. The pay scale grouping will be,
depending on the personal qualification of the applicant, up to pay grade 13 TV-L for HHU,
UoC and IPK /TVöD-Bund for FZJ and MPIPZ.
About us
The Cluster of Excellence for Plant Sciences CEPLAS is a joint initiative of Heinrich Heine
University Düsseldorf (HHU), the University of Cologne (UoC), the Max Planck Institute for
Plant Breeding Research Cologne (MPIPZ), Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) and the Leibniz
Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben. CEPLAS develops
innovative strategies for sustainable plant production and promotes innovative training
programs for early career researchers.
Detailed information about CEPLAS is available at www.ceplas.eu.
All participating institutions are equal opportunity and family-friendly employers and strive for
gender equality and excellence through diversity.
Applications from people of all genders are expressly welcome. Applications from women will
be given preferential consideration in accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act. The
application of severely disabled persons and persons with equivalent disabilities is also
welcome. In order for a severe disability or equality to be taken into account, please provide
evidence of this with suitable documents.
Applications are accepted exclusively via the HHU application portal. It is required to state in
your motivation letter for which of the projects (max 2) you apply for and what qualifies you
for the position (one application per person only). Here’s a list of the documents required
(please upload as one single PDF file < 5 MB):
- Motivation letter including a statement for which project(s) (max 2) you apply and what qualifies you for the project
- CV and publication list
- Contact info of two references
- previous degree certificates; applicants near completion of their PhD must include information about the timeline for the submission of their PhD thesis
Contact
Juliane Schmid, Coordinator CEPLAS Postdoc Program
juliane.schmid[at]hhu.de