Biologist (f/m/x)

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) is one of the largest universities in Germany. Thanks to its location in the Rhine-Main science region, the university can unfold to its full potential and showcase its innovative power and dynamism. Its status as a comprehensive university allows for multidisciplinary learning and teaching and has great potential for internationally renowned, interdisciplinary research.

Almost all of its institutes are located on a single campus close to the Mainz city center - creating a lively academic culture for researchers, teaching staff, and students from every continent.

Faculty 10: Biology / Institute of Molecular Physiology / Molecular Plant Science

Academic staff member (Postdoc): Plant RNA Biology (m/f/d) full-time (100%)

The Wachter group examines mechanisms and functions of RNA processing in plants ( https://mps-imp.biologie.uni-mainz.de ), such as the role of alternative splicing in light-dependent seedling development. The upstream signalling of this process involves the activity of energy sensor kinases and localization of SR splicing regulators in nuclear speckles. We use a combination of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches to understand how condensate formation of these proteins may be utilized to control a switch in the alternative splicing program, as a paradigm for examining the role of dynamic splicing speckles in eukaryotic development.

Your tasks:

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will contribute to existing activities in research and teaching of our group and develop your own ideas. The research focus will be on the functions and phospho-regulation of splicing regulators in light-dependent splicing and seedling development. Supervision will include students from the BSc to PhD level.

Your profile:

1. A successfully completed scientific university degree in Biology or in a related field
2. A successfully completed doctorate (PhD) in molecular plant biology or in a related field
3. Experience in a spectrum of molecular methods, including the generation and analysis of plant mutants
4. Very good English language skills (at least level B2)
5. A background in RNA biology or plant physiology is a plus, but not mandatory
6. You are fascinated about science, have very good communication skills, and enjoy working in a team

What we have to offer:

Working in a team on an exciting and multifaceted research project. State-of-the-art equipment, a completely new research infrastructure, and extensive expertise as well as various core facilities. Job ticket, optional for the entire Rhine-Main area. Extensive human resources development offer. Flexible working time arrangements. The position is paid according to EG 13 TV-L and to be filled by 03/01/2025.

The position is limited initially to a period of 3 years. The position serves the purpose of academic qualification with independent contributions to teaching and research as a prerequisite for a habilitation or an equivalent. JGU is diverse and welcomes qualified applications from people with various backgrounds.

We aim to increase the number of women in the field of research and teaching and therefore encourage female researchers to apply. Candidates with severe disabilities and appropriate qualifications will be given priority.