Postdoctoral Position – Plant Microbiota: The Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ) is seeking applications for a postdoctoral position in the field of microbe-microbe interactions, microbiology, bacterial genetics, and molecular biology. The position is available in the Multitrophic Plant-Microbe Interactions group led by Dr. Stéphane Hacquard for a two-year term.
- Position available in the Multitrophic Plant-Microbe Interactions group led by Dr. Stéphane Hacquard for two years.
- Project DIVIDE, funded by ANR-DFG, explores microbial interdependencies in plant root microbiome with a focus on bacterial population dynamics during root colonization.
- Collaboration involves researchers from CNRS, INRAE (France), and MPIPZ (Germany), emphasizing close interactions with French partners.
- Objective is to test the occurrence of division of labor between subpopulations of genetically identical strains to promote multifunctionality.
- Techniques include the use of genetically tractable bacteria, transcriptional reporters, high-resolution microscopy, single-cell omics approaches, and advanced gnotobiotic plant systems.
- Ideal candidates should have expertise in microbial genetics, cloning methods, single-cell multiomics, microbial metabolic engineering, and real-time confocal microscopy.
- Application deadline: January 15th, 2024; position to be filled in February 2024.
Designation: Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area: Microbe-Microbe Interactions, Microbiology, Bacterial Genetics, Molecular Biology
Location: Cologne, Germany
Eligibility/Qualification: The ideal candidates should possess the ability to work at the interface of multiple research fields and expertise in one or more of the following: microbial genetics, advanced cloning methods, single-cell multiomics, microbial metabolic engineering, real-time confocal microscopy. Proven ability to work in a team at the interface between molecular microbiology and ecology is advantageous. Excellent organizational and communication skills (i.e., English) are essential.
Job Description:
Postdoctoral Position – Division of Labour in the Plant Microbiota
The Multitrophic Plant-Microbe Interactions group focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms underlying the structure and functions of multi-kingdom microbial consortia colonizing plant roots. The DIVIDE project, funded by ANR-DFG, will investigate microbial interdependencies within the microbiome, especially those occurring within a bacterial population during root colonization. The goal is to explore whether division of labor occurs between subpopulations of genetically identical strains to promote multifunctionality. The project involves the use of genetically tractable bacteria, transcriptional reporters, high-resolution microscopy, single-cell omics approaches, and advanced gnotobiotic plant systems.
Skills Required: The ideal candidates will have expertise in microbial genetics, advanced cloning methods, single-cell multiomics, microbial metabolic engineering, and real-time confocal microscopy. Proven ability to work in a team at the interface between molecular microbiology and ecology is advantageous. Excellent organizational and communication skills in English are essential.
Payment Position: The position must be filled in February 2024. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview at the end of January. Salary and working hours comply with the funding guidelines of the Max Planck Society for junior scientists. Working hours are full-time, and payment and benefits are according to German TVöD-Bund.
How to Apply: Interested candidates must submit a letter (2 pages max) explaining their interest in joining the DIVIDE research team, along with a CV, a list of publications or similar achievements, and names of three referees. Applications should be sent as a single PDF document through the online system by the latest January 15th, 2024.
Last Date for Apply: 15 January 2024
For further information on this position, please feel free to contact Dr. Stéphane Hacquard at hacquard@mpipz.mpg.de.
