The Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences CEPLAS invites applications for
7 Doctoral researchers (m/f/d)
Location: Düsseldorf/Cologne/Gatersleben
Start date: 01.06.2026
Limited until: 31.05.2029
Your profile
- M.Sc. in molecular plant sciences, genetics, quantitative biology, computational biology or a related discipline
- Research experience in the relevant field
- High level of English language proficiency
- Strong motivation to conduct a scientific project in an international, interdisciplinary research environment
- Motivation to contribute to a dynamic and diverse academic community
- Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills
Our Offer
CEPLAS offers the following PhD projects (details are available at www.ceplas.eu):
1. 4D-LEAF – Comparative Reconstruction of C3 and C3–C4 Leaf Development in
Brassicaceae (A. Weber, HHU)
2. Functional resource allocation in stress resilience (P. Bauer, HHU, T. Hildebrandt,
UoC)
3. Sexless seeds for Barley hybrids (R. Mercier, MPIPZ)
4. Deep learning prediction and experimental validation of transporter–substrate
interactions (M. Lercher, HHU)
5. Root Biogeography Atlas (E. Loo, HHU, W. Frommer, HHU)
6. From genebank diversity to cellular networks: to optimise shoot meristem
activities:
A. Identifying and characterizing barley diversity to enhance regulation of
meristem development (A. Backhaus, IPK, L. Dixon, IPK, M. von Korff, HHU,
N. Stein, IPK)
B. Dissecting Meristem Regulatory Networks in barley via Single-Nucleus RNA
Sequencing (M. von Korff, HHU, A. Backhaus, IPK, L. Dixon, IPK)
CEPLAS creates a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research environment
in plant science. We offer state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, structured
doctoral training within our CEPLAS Graduate School, as well as further career
development support.
The place of employment is determined by the respective research project. The
employment is initially limited to a period of three years, starting on June 1, 2026 (or
as agreed) with the possibility of a one-year extension.
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 respective funding conditions of the individual partners apply. Salary is based,
depending on the personal qualification of the applicant and the respective funding
conditions of the individual partners, up to pay grade 13 TV-L for HHU, UoC and IPK
/TVöD-Bund for FZJ and MPIPZ, 65%.).
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 and the CEPLAS Graduate School 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.
Application process:
Applications are accepted exclusively via the HHU application portal. It is required to
state in your motivation letter for which project you apply. Here’s a list of the
documents required for the application (please upload as one single PDF file < 5
MB):
- Motivation letter including a statement for which project you apply
- CV including publications (if applicable)
- Contact info of two references
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and transcript of records
Contact
Juliane Schmid, Coordinator CEPLAS Office
gradschool[at]ceplas.de