PhD Position – Characterization of the Phenotypic Diversity of Root and Shoot Traits in Rye Heterotic Pools

Are you passionate about science? Would you like to contribute to research on breeding crops resilient to climate change? Come to work with us at the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences - Plant Sciences (IBG-2) at the Research Center Jülich. IBG-2 has a leading position in plant phenotyping, focusing on dynamic plant-environment interaction. We apply non-invasive imaging methods for digital phenotyping of roots and shoots in controlled environments. Rye is a European orphan crop with a strong climate protection service and a high adaptation potential to a changing climate. Genome-based breeding of new varieties will contribute stacking of superior alleles. In this respect, characterizing root architecture diversity is important to create future varieties better adapted to climate change. Through this PhD project you will have the possibility to use state-of-the-art phenotyping methodologies and the exciting opportunity to link with a multi-disciplinary network funded by the German Ministry of Research (RYE-HUB).

Your Job:

• Responsible for characterizing root and shoot architecture of selected rye genotypes using imaging-based phenotyping platforms,
• Derive, in cooperation with other scientists, quantitative root and shoot physiological traits in controlled conditions at IBG2 research greenhouses,
• Analyze, in cooperation with project partners, the association of phenotypes with genetic diversity in rye,
• Working at IBG-2 at Research Center Jülich but collaborate closely with the partners of the RYE-HUB network,
• Publish original results in suitable peer-reviewed journals in the field and present the results at national and international scientific meetings and conferences

Your Profile:

• Master of Science degree in, Plant Sciences, Agronomy, Plant Breeding, Plant Eco-Physiology, Biology, Botany, or related disciplines,
• A sound knowledge of plant physiological processes,
• A sound knowledge of plant-environment interactions,
• Prior experience with imaging-based plant phenotyping is an asset for this project,
• Prior experience with experimental design and statistical analysis of plant experiments using R-software or similar solution
• The ability to compile data and write summaries towards research reports
• Command of English language both spoken and written. Albeit not mandatory, knowledge of German language both spoken and written is considered an important asset for this project.

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• A highly motivated working group as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe’s largest research establishments
• Opportunity to participate in (international) conferences and project meetings
• Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure
• Continuous scientific mentoring by at least two scientific advisors
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
• Extensive company health management
• Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy
• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service

In addition to exciting tasks and the collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/julich-as-an-employer/benefits

The position is initially for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 65% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 66 of the PDF download: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

We look forward to receiving you application by 10.01.2025