Fully Funded PhD Position: Plant Immune Receptor Evolution – University of Tübingen, Germany
Quick Overview
The Cluster of Excellence GreenRobust at the University of Tübingen invites applications for a PhD position in plant immune receptor evolution. The project combines evolutionary genomics, AI-guided structural modelling, and molecular biology to discover novel Brassica immune receptors and unravel the molecular principles governing ligand recognition and downstream signalling in RLP30/RE02-like receptors. The position is available from January 2027 and is initially funded for three years.
Key Details
| Position | PhD Student (m/f/d) |
| Project | Plant immune receptor evolution (REVALUTION) |
| Institution | University of Tübingen, Center for Plant Molecular Biology (ZMBP) |
| Location | Tübingen, Germany |
| Qualification | MSc Plant Science, Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline |
| Salary | E13 TV-L (65%) |
| Duration | 3 years (with possibility of extension) |
| Start Date | January 2027 |
| Deadline | October 9, 2026 |
| Apply Via | andrea.gust@zmbp.uni-tuebingen.de or laura.medina-puche@zmbp.uni-tuebingen.de |
Research Project
Plant immunity relies on pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) for the detection of invading pathogens, with leucine-rich repeat receptor-like proteins (LRR-RLPs) representing one of the most diverse receptor families. The overarching goal of the REVALUTION project is to re-evaluate ambiguous ligand–receptor interactions in an evolutionary framework.
In close collaboration with the Koch/Walden group at the Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg, the project explores how genome evolution drives the diversification of plant immune receptors and their capacity to recognize diverse pathogen-derived molecules, using the Arabidopsis receptor RLP30 and the Nicotiana receptor RE02 as model systems (Yang et al., 2023, Nature Communications; Yang et al., 2025, Nature Biotechnology).
The successful candidate will join the research groups of Laura Medina-Puche and Andrea Gust at the ZMBP. The project combines evolutionary genomics, AI-guided structural modelling, and molecular and functional biology.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct research on plant immune receptor evolution
- Perform molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and microscopy experiments
- Analyse evolutionary genomics data
- Apply AI-guided structural modelling approaches
- Collaborate with the Koch/Walden group at Heidelberg
- Present findings at seminars and conferences
Candidate Profile
Required:
- Excellent MSc Plant Science, Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline
- Strong interest in plant immunity and evolution
- Proficiency in English
- Practical experience in plant molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and microscopy
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | E13 TV-L (65%) |
| Duration | 3 years (with possibility of extension) |
| Start Date | January 2027 |
| Location | Tübingen, Germany |
| Research Environment | Stimulating, collaborative, and supportive international research environment |
| Training | Integration into the interdisciplinary GreenRobust research network |
| Facilities | Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure |
| Career Development | Mentoring and career training opportunities |
Application Tips
- Highlight plant immunity experience – Strong interest in plant immunity and evolution.
- Show molecular biology skills – Practical experience in plant molecular biology and genetics.
- Emphasize biochemistry expertise – Relevant for the project focus.
- Mention microscopy experience – Desirable skill for the position.
- Submit as single PDF – Cover letter, research summary, CV, certificates, and referees.
How to Apply
Submit your application as a single PDF file containing:
- Cover letter
- Summary of previous research experience
- Curriculum vitae
- Certificates
- Contact details of two academic referees
Send to: andrea.gust@zmbp.uni-tuebingen.de or laura.medina-puche@zmbp.uni-tuebingen.de
Application Deadline: October 9, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the project focus? Plant immune receptor evolution.
- What is the qualification requirement? Master’s in Biology, Biochemistry, or related discipline.
- What is the salary? E13 TV-L (65%).
- What is the duration? 3 years with possibility of extension.
- What is the deadline? October 9, 2026.
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