Academic member; Postdoc): Plant RNA Biology

Organisation/Company Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Research Field Biological sciences » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Postdoc Positions Final date to receive applications 5 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 39 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number J201-2026 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

The Wachter group investigates the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of alternative RNA splicing in plants (  ). Our recent work has identified novel components of the plant splicing-regulatory code, including structured mRNA elements (e.g., (Sie können sich bewerben oder uns per E-Mail kontaktieren in dem Sie die untenstehende Online-Bewerbungsbox verwenden).
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As a member of our international research team, you will examine the regulation and functional impact of splicing decisions controlled by poly pyrimidine tract-binding proteins (PTBs), a family of key splicing regulators in plants and animals. Your work will build on our previous findings on PTB functions in alternative splicing and on recent results from ongoing transcriptome-wide approaches, including splicing pattern profiling, iCLIP, and TRIBE.

You will further develop these analysis pipelines and integrate the resulting datasets to define the role of this central component of splicing control in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The new insights from these mechanistic studies will be linked to physiological PTB functions we previously observed, including ABA-dependent seed germination and drought tolerance. The overarching goal of this project is to establish the molecular connections between PTB functions and key traits of stress physiology, thereby laying the groundwork for novel strategies to enhance plant resilience.

This work is supported by extensive expertise, various core facilities, and a completely new research infrastructure.

• Tackling critical questions on PTB functions in
  
  A. thaliana using a multidisciplinary approach, which integrates molecular biology, RNA biochemistry, and plant stress physiology
• Applying state-of-the-art techniques for gene-specific and genome-wide analyses of RNA biology
• Developing an integrated framework to decipher PTB’s role in splicing and its downstream physiological outcomes, with a particular focus on drought stress
• Assisting with lab organisation and other general tasks
• Contributing to teaching activities for Bachelor's and Master's students within our group
• Supervising PhD students and other group members
• Presenting your research findings in oral and written form, including conference contributions, reports, and manuscripts
• A successfully completed scientific university degree in Biology or in a related field
• A successfully completed doctorate (PhD) in molecular plant biology or RNA biology
• Experience with a spectrum of molecular methods
• Experience in plant (stress) physiology is a plus, but not mandatory
• Teaching experience is a plus, but not mandatory
• Very good English language skills (at least level B2);
  German language skills are a plus, but not mandatory
• A successful academic track record documented by publications, conference contributions, etc.
• A fascination for science, very good communication and teamwork skills

In addition to the general requirements according to public services law, applicants must meet…