1 PhD position
The Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Faculty of Natural Sciences I invites applications for a PhD position in the DFG-funded Research Training Group RTG 2498 “Communication and Dynamics of Plant Cell Compartments”, in the exploratory research project “The role of RNAs in the unfolded protein response in plants”.
The position is funded for 3 years, starting August 2025. Salary will be according to Entgeldgruppe 13 TV-L (65%), depending on the assigned tasks and individual qualifications.
// Project Description
The project will be carried out in the group of Prof. Dr. Christina Weinberg at Martin-Luther-University, General Biochemistry, and aims to investigate the role of RNAs in unfolded protein response (UPR) in plants.
UPR is a cellular stress response triggered by the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This response aims to restore normal ER function and promote cell survival. One of the central pathways involved in the UPR is mediated by IRE1 (Inositol-requiring enzyme 1), a key sensor of ER stress. As part of this project you will screen for mRNA targets of IRE1 using RNA-seq, validate hits in vitro and in Arabidopsis thaliana and investigate the biological effects of target RNAs. You will learn and apply NGS-RNA-seq methods, molecular, cellular and RNA biology techniques to the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana.
For more details about the project see https://rtg2498.uni-halle.de/beyond-rtg-2498_exploratory-research/
// Tasks
- Conduct research within an exploratory project of the RTG2498 entitled “The role of RNAs in the unfolded protein response in plants”
- Investigate UPR-effectors using RNA-seq (cyPhyRNA-seq)
- Validate and characterize identified target RNAs in vitro and in Arabidopsis thaliana
- Perform molecular biology and RNA biochemistry experiments (radiolabelled nucleic acids), prepare NGS-libraries
- Generate and analyze genetically manipulated Arabidopsis plants and study functional roles of alternative UPR-protein isoforms under stress conditions
- Presentation and publication of scientific data
// Requirements
- An excellent MSc degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biochemistry or related subjects
- Enthusiasm for molecular plant biology and RNA-based gene regulation
- Expertise and/or motivation to learn and apply molecular biology and plant genetics techniques, including cloning, RNA-seq, RNA biochemistry, proteinexpression and purification, generation of genetically modified Arabidopsis plants
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary research environment
- Excellent English language skills (written and spoken)
- High motivation to work in a cooperative manner within the RTG
// Application
Please use our online application form below. The submission deadline is extended until 31 May 2025.
If you have any project-related questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Christina Weinberg, Tel.: 0345 55-24920, email: christina.weinberg@bct.uni-halle.de. For any inquiries regarding the application process, please contact the coordinator of the RTG 2498 (Kristin Leimer, Tel.: +49 345 55-24834, email: kristin.leimer@biochemtech.uni-halle.de).
