Doctoral position - Plant nutrition (f/m/x)

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.

Kopriva´s lab aims to understand how plants integrate the uptake and

utilization of key mineral nutrients with their needs and demands,

and how changes in the environment affect this process. The lab

also aims to understand the role of microorganisms in plant nutrition.

The project specifically addresses control of sulfur metabolism.

YOUR TASKS

The project aims to understand the control of processes following

sulfate resupply to sulfur deficient plants and to help to identify

sulfate sensing and signalling mechanisms. This will be achieved by

comprehensive analyses of transcript decay mechanisms, a global

assessment of sulfur-dependent changes in mRNA degradation

kinetics, and a detailed dissection of the regulatory mechanisms

governing rapid mRNA decay after sulfate resupply. The researcher

will:

» perform experiments, evaluate and interpret the data

» present results at seminars, workshops, and international con-

ferences

» join the GSfBS graduate school and participate in training

YOUR PROFILE

» an MSc (or equivalent degree) in Biology or a related field

» experience in plant biology and molecular biology

» excellent communication skills in English, both written and

spoken

» motivation and interest in understanding the mechanisms of

biological processes

» experience in working on plant nutrition or analysis of Arabidop-

sis mutants is desirable

WE OFFER

» exciting research and an opportunity to obtain a doctoral

degree

» a diverse working environment with equal opportunities

» support in balancing work and family life

» flexible working time models

» extensive advanced training opportunities

» occupational health management offers

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 wel-

come applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their

gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age,

sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available from 1 January 2027 on a part-time basis

(25,89 hours per week). The position is to be filled for a fixed term

until 31 December 2029. If the applicant meets the relevant wage

requirements and has the appropriate personal qualifications, the

salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale

for the German public sector.

Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications (wit-

hout a photo) under https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The reference

number is Wiss2607-14. The application deadline is 31 August 2026.

For further inquiries, please contact Professor Stanislav Kopriva at

(skopriva@uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs.

Doctoral position - Plant nutrition(f/m/x)

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

CEPLAS, Institute for Plant Sciences