"Research Staff (PhD student) in the field of Plant Biochemistry (salary scale 13 TV-L, 65 %)"

Nestled in a modern city surrounded by nature and with an exceptional standard of living, Leibniz University Hannover offers excellent working conditions in a vibrant scientific community.

The Institute of Botany welcomes applications for the following position starting July 1st, 2026:

Research Staff (PhD student) in the field of Plant Biochemistry (salary scale 13 TV-L, 65 %)

The fixed-term position is for a duration of 36 months with a possibility for extension. The position is part of a collaborative project between the working groups “Biochemistry of Plant Specialised Metabolites” (Prof. Dr. Jakob Franke, Leibniz University Hannover), “Synthetic Biology” (Prof. Dr. Russell Cox, Leibniz University Hannover), and the group of Prof. Dr. Roy Weinstain at Tel Aviv University, Israel. The working place will be located at the Centre of Biomolecular Drug Research of the Leibniz University Hannover.

You can find information about the involved groups on our websites:
https://www.botanik.uni-hannover.de/en/research/research-groups/franke-group/
https://www.oci.uni-hannover.de/en/research-groups/synthetic-biology
https://en-lifesci.tau.ac.il/profile/royweinstain

Your role

We offer you an opportunity to conduct a PhD thesis in the context of an exciting interdisciplinary collaborative research project funded by the VolkswagenStiftung “Research Cooperation Lower Saxony – Israel” programme. The aim of the research work is to identify enzymes involved in the temporary inactivation of gib-berellin phytohormones.

The tasks of the position comprise:

• Selecting potential gene candidates from plant sequence datasets with bioinformatics tools
• Cloning of gene candidates from plants and screening in Nicotiana benthamiana
• Recombinant protein production and biochemical characterisation of enzymes in vitro
• Chemical analysis and purification of gibberellins from Nicotiana benthamiana or from a heterologous Aspergillus oryzae platform.

The position also involves travelling to a kick-off meeting in Israel and a three-month research stay at Tel Aviv University, Israel.

Who are we looking for?

The successful candidate must hold a university science degree (diploma/master or equivalent) in the area of biochemistry, biotechnology, life science, biology, or related courses, ideally with a focus on plants. We expect above average grades, high motivation and interest in interdisciplinary research.

In addition, we are looking for a candidate with the following:

• Experiences with heterologous gene expression and purification of proteins are required.
• Experiences with biochemical assays and their analysis by chromatography are required.
• Experience with cloning and general microbiology is required.
• Experience with bioinformatics analysis of large sequence datasets is desirable.
• Experiences with the purification of natural products by column chromatography and preparative HPLC are desirable.
• Very good written and oral English skills for working in an international team and to fulfil research tasks are required.

Equal opportunities and diversity are core values at Leibniz University Hannover. Our goal is to tap into individual potential and open up possibilities. We therefore welcome applications from anyone interested in the position, irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

We strive towards a balanced and diverse workforce and a reduction in under-representation in accordance with the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz – NGG). We therefore also welcome applications from women for the above-mentioned position. Preference will be given to equally qualified candidates with disabilities.

Why join us?

With more than 5,000 employees, Leibniz University Hannover is one of the largest and most attractive employers in the Hannover region. We offer a vibrant interdisciplinary and international working environment, and promote personal and professional development ranging from subject-related skills to leadership and languages.

Remote work (mobile work, work from home) can be arranged upon request. We support employees with balancing work and family life, through services such as back-up childcare, childcare during school holidays, and parent-child offices, as well as providing individual advice regarding family responsibilities and caring for dependants.

To promote health and well-being among employees, we offer an extensive sports programme with over 100 different sports, as well as a fitness centre with a sauna and climbing space. Health management measures, such as courses on stress management, good nutrition and relaxation, aim to ensure a healthy workplace.

Additional information

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Jakob Franke (tel.: +49 (0)511 762-2628, email: jakob.franke@botanik.uni-hannover.de).

Please submit your application and supporting documents by March 29th, 2026 electronically as a single PDF file to email: jakob.franke@botanik.uni-hannover.de or alternatively by post to:
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover
Institut für Botanik
Prof. Dr. Jakob Franke
Herrenhäuser Str. 2, 30419 Hannover
http://www.uni-hannover.de/en/jobs

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