Summary
The Chair of Plant Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is offering three funded PhD positions in plant cell and molecular biology at the School of Life Sciences, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany. The projects focus on plant development, protein kinase signaling, cytoskeleton regulation, and plant growth adaptations.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Technical University of Munich (TUM) |
| Department | Chair of Plant Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences |
| Positions | 3 Funded PhD Positions |
| Research Field | Plant Cell & Molecular Biology |
| Location | Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany |
| Supervisor | Prof. Dr. Claus Schwechheimer |
| Funding | Funded PhD positions |
| Start Date | Early 2025 |
| Application Deadline | Open until filled |
| Application Email | claus.schwechheimer@tum.de |
Designation
PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher – Plant Cell and Molecular Biology
Research Areas
The three available PhD projects are:
- Polarity regulation by protein kinases during stomata development
- Phospho-regulation of the plant cytoskeleton
- Developmental adaptations for plant growth in soil
The projects build on the laboratory’s research into plant growth processes regulated by AGC1 kinases, with research involving molecular, cellular, biochemical, physiological, and genetic approaches.
Location
Chair of Plant Systems Biology
School of Life Sciences
Technische Universität München
Emil-Ramann-Str. 8
85354 Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should have:
- A relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in plant biology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong interest in plant cell and molecular biology and plant developmental processes.
- Motivation to undertake experimental research in an interactive and collaborative environment.
- Interest in molecular, cell biological, biochemical, physiological, or genetic research techniques.
- The ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
Job Description
The selected PhD researchers will work on one of three projects addressing fundamental mechanisms underlying plant growth and development.
Research may involve:
- Studying protein kinase-mediated regulation of plant cell polarity.
- Investigating phosphorylation-dependent regulation of the plant cytoskeleton.
- Understanding developmental mechanisms that allow plants to adapt their growth to soil conditions.
- Applying molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, and physiological approaches.
- Contributing to collaborative research within the Chair of Plant Systems Biology.
- Developing and conducting experiments, analyzing results, and communicating scientific findings.
The research group has established collaborations with LMU Munich, the University of Regensburg, and Helmholtz Zentrum München.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should prepare:
- Letter of Motivation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Combine both documents into a single PDF file and send it by email to:
Prof. Dr. Claus Schwechheimer
📧 claus.schwechheimer@tum.de
Further information about the research group is available through the TUM Chair of Plant Systems Biology website.
Last Date for Apply
Open until filled.
Note: The original announcement states that the positions were available from early 2025 and would remain open until filled. Therefore, applicants should verify current availability with the research group before applying.
