PhD Student (f/m/div) in the Field of Physiology and Food Chemistry

The Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) contributes to a better understanding of plant systems and the development of sustainable and resilient horticulture. The IGZ conducts research at the interface between plants, humans, and the environment, addressing challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, urbanization, and malnutrition.

This position is for a fixed term of three years as part of the Leibniz Association-funded project “PhytoM – Leibniz Professorship for Phytonutrient Management” at the Technische Universität Berlin.

Tasks include

• planning and conducting plant cultivation experiments under controlled conditions
• chemical analysis of plant secondary metabolites using HPLC-MS and GC-MS
• protein isolation and characterization using LC-MS
• plant physiological measurements
• molecular biological investigations (e.g., gene expression analyses)
• analysis and publication of results in international journals
• presentation of results at national and international specialist events

We are looking for candidates with

• a university degree (master / diploma) in biology, food chemistry, biochemistry, biosciences, or a related subject area
• sound knowledge in the fields of plant cultivation and/or plant nutrition
• experience in the use of instrumental analytical methods, such as HPLC-MS, GC-MS
• knowledge in the preparation of plant tissues for the extraction of natural substances
• experience in the application of molecular biological methods
• experience in the statistical analysis of research results or willingness to acquire such experience
• willingness to conduct a research stay for several months at another institute
• very good knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• very good written and spoken English skills
• self-motivated, independent and responsible working style and high organizational skills
• ability to work in a team and willingness to integrate into an international working environment

We offer

• the opportunity to work on an interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research project related to human nutrition
• a challenging position in plant science
• the opportunity to do a doctorate
• an inspiring and dynamic research environment with first-class laboratory facilities near Berlin and Potsdam
• a pleasant and appreciative working atmosphere, flexible and family-friendly working time model, and the possibility of mobile working (up to 50% of working time)
• subsidy for a company ticket for public transport or the Deutschlandticket (Germany ticket)

For questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Franziska S. Hanschen at +49 (0) 33701 78-250 or hanschen@igzev.de. Please send your complete application by email to bewerbung@igzev.de as a PDF file by September 14, 2025.