Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Postdoc - Plant light signal transduction (f/m/x)
Ute Hoecker lab/CEPLAS Cluster of Excellence/Institute of Plant Sciences

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

A three-year postdoc position is available from January 2025 or later in the group of Ute Hoecker at the Institute for Plant Sciences/Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS) of the University of Cologne (https://ag-hoecker.botanik.uni-koeln.de/). Our group investigates the light-control of plant growth and development, placing particular emphasis on the role of protein ubiquitination in seedling development, leaf development and the induction of flowering (e.g. Ponnu et al. 2019, PNAS; Kerner et al. 2021, PCE; Schenk et al. 2021, Plant Phys). Our lab is located in the Biocenter on the University of Cologne campus. The successful candidate will join a stimulating research environment with more than 300 scientists working in plant sciences in the Cologne/Düsseldorf area. They will have access to additional training in soft and career-relevant skills.

YOUR TASKS

• Research on the role of photoreceptors and the COP1/SPA E3 ubiquitin ligase in Arabidopsis light signal transduction
• Possibility to initiate your own research project
• Accurately record and analyse your data according to good scientific practice
• Limited teaching responsibility in advanced-level courses in English language, no German required

YOUR PROFILE

• Doctoral degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or equivalent
• In-depth experience in molecular and biochemical methodology
• Experience in plant biology and protein-protein-interaction methods desired
• Strong interest in plant signal transduction
• Good communication skills in written and spoken English

WE OFFER

• An international top-level research environment with state-of-the-art facilities
• A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
• Support in balancing work and family life
• Extensive advanced training opportunities
• Occupational health management offers
• Flexible working time models

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The position is soon as possible on a full-time basis (39,83 hours per week). The position is to be filled for a fixed term for three years, with the possibility of an extension . If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

Please send your application with proof of the required qualifications (including curriculum vitae with list of publications/presentations at international conferences, a letter of motivation including a brief summary of research achievments; contact details of two referees) as 1 PDF file without a photo under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de.

The reference number is Wiss2411-17.
The application deadline is 27 December 2024.
For further inquiries, please contact Professor Dr Ute Hoecker
(hoeckeru@uni-koeln.de).