With its work, the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) contributes to a better understanding of plant systems and thus to the development of sustainable and resilient horticulture. The IGZ conducts research at the interface between plants, humans, and the environment. In doing so, we address systemic and global challenges, such as biodiversity loss, climate change, urbanization, and malnutrition. We provide scientifically sound recommendations for healthy agri-food systems and sustainable interactions with the environment. The IGZ brings together a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines. Employees with different backgrounds conduct research in national and international research co-operations. The IGZ is based in Großbeeren near Potsdam and near Berlin and is a member of the Leibniz Association.
The following position is to be filled at the Institute at the earliest possible date, for a fixed term of four years, as part of the Leibniz Association-funded project “PhytoM – Leibniz Professorship for Phytonutrient Management at the Technische Universität Berlin”:
Scientist (f/m/div) in the Field of Molecular Plant Biochemistry
Reference number: 10/2025/3
The salary will be based on qualification and research experience according to the wage agreement TV-L, up to pay scale 13, full time.
The position is part of the research group Quality.2 (Phytonutrient Management) in the program area “Plant Quality and Food Security” (QUALITY). The aim of the research project “PhytoM” is to mechanistically explore the interaction of phytonutrients in the plant-environment response in order to enhance and secure the nutritional quality of vegetables under changing climatic conditions and under the impact of the food supply chain, including food processing. In this context, the aim of the postdoc position is to investigate the regulation of the enzymatic degradation of glucosinolates, which is relevant for the bioactive effect of this substance class. For example, the resulting isothiocyanates are antimicrobial compounds and have cancer-preventive effects. In addition to myrosinase, which initiates the enzymatic degradation, various specifier proteins in Brassica vegetables control the formation of specific bioactive degradation products. Only some of these proteins have already been functionally investigated in Brassica crops (e.g., broccoli, cabbage) (Witzel et al., Frontiers in Plant Science 2019, 10, 1552, doi: 10.3389/fpls.2019.01552). The aim of the project is to functionally investigate further specifier enzymes involved in degradation and to characterize their interaction in order to understand their biological significance. In addition, the aim is to understand the regulation of specifier proteins, such as ESP, by stress factors in Brassica vegetables.
Tasks include
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planning and conducting plant cultivation and food chemistry experiments
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Molecular biological and biochemical investigations (RNAseq, heterologous protein expression, protein-protein-interaction studies, promotor binding studies)
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chemical analysis of secondary plant substances and their reaction products using HPLC-MS and GC-MS
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analyzing and publishing the results in international journals
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grant proposal writing and acquiring of third-party funding
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supervision of graduate (bachelor / master) and PhD students
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presentation of results at national and international specialist events
We are looking for candidates with
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a master’s or diploma degree with a PhD in biology, biochemistry, biosciences, or a related field
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proven knowledge and experience in the application of molecular biological and biochemical methods
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proven knowledge of conducting plant cultivation experiments, especially for abiotic stress applications
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knowledge in the use of instrumental analytical methods, such as HPLC-MS and GC-MS
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proven experience in the statistical evaluation of research results
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very good communication skills and very good written and spoken English skills
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self-motivated, independent, and responsible working style and high organizational skills
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ability to work in a team and willingness to integrate into an international working environment
We offer
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the opportunity to work on an interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research project related to human nutrition
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a challenging position in plant and food science
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an inspiring and dynamic research environment with first-class laboratory facilities near Berlin and near Potsdam
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a pleasant and appreciative working atmosphere, flexible and family-friendly working time model, and the possibility of mobile working (up to 50% of working time)
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VBL Ost company pension scheme for public sector employees, as well as a collectively agreed annual bonus and 30 days vacation per year
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subsidy for a company ticket for public transport or the Deutschlandticket (Germany ticket)
More information on the IGZ can be found at www.igzev.de. For questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Franziska S. Hanschen (+49 33701 78-250; [email protected]).
We encourage a healthy work-life balance. The IGZ attaches great importance to equal opportunities. The IGZ embraces diversity in its workforce and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, world view, disability and belief, or ethnic origin.
Please send your complete application (stating the reference number and including a motivation letter, your CV, academic certificates, and the names and addresses of two references, including your earliest possible starting date) by e-mail to [email protected] in PDF format by May 21, 2025.
