Are you passionate about plant sciences, food chemistry, and tackling global challenges such as climate change and nutrition security? Here’s an exciting chance for ambitious international students—the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) in Großbeeren, Germany, is offering a doctoral research position (PhD student) for the spring 2026 intake. This position focuses on Plant Physiology and Food Chemistry, and it is part of the cutting-edge project “PhytoM – Phytonutrient Management” at the Technical University of Berlin.
About the Institute and Project
The IGZ is a leading research institution under the Leibniz Association, known for its interdisciplinary work at the intersection of plants, people, and the environment. Researchers at IGZ study how to build sustainable and resilient horticulture while addressing pressing global issues such as biodiversity loss, urbanization, and malnutrition.
This PhD position is embedded in the QUALITY.2 research group (Management of Bioactive Plant Compounds), where the focus is on understanding the role of phytonutrients in environmental adaptation. Specifically, your research will explore drought stress effects on sulfur-containing compounds in Brassica vegetables and investigate the role of glucosinolate degradation in stress tolerance.
Benefits of the Scholarship
Successful candidates will enjoy:
- A fully funded research position based on the German TV-L collective agreement (up to pay group 13, 65% of full-time salary).
- The opportunity to pursue your doctorate at the Technical University of Berlin.
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and a supportive academic environment.
- A flexible, family-friendly work model, including options for remote work (up to 50%).
- Subsidized public transport tickets in Germany.
- A diverse, inclusive, and internationally oriented workplace near Berlin and Potsdam.
What You Will Do?
As a Research Associate (PhD student), you will:
- Conduct plant cultivation experiments under controlled environments.
- Perform chemical analysis of plant secondary substances using advanced methods like HPLC-MS and GC-MS.
- Isolate and characterize proteins using LC-MS.
- Carry out molecular biology studies such as gene expression analyses.
- Publish your results in international journals and present them at global conferences.
This role offers a hands-on research environment that blends laboratory work, field experiments, and international collaboration.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Hold a Master’s or Diploma degree in biology, food chemistry, biochemistry, life sciences, or related fields.
- Have knowledge of plant cultivation/nutrition and analytical methods (HPLC-MS, GC-MS).
- Show interest or prior experience in molecular biology and statistical analysis of research results.
- Possess excellent English communication skills (both written and spoken).
- Be motivated, organized, and ready to integrate into an international research environment.
A willingness to complete a research stay abroad is also part of the program.
Application Process
Interested applicants should prepare the following:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certificates
- Two references (names and contact details)
- Earliest possible starting date
The last date to apply for the PhD position in Plant Physiology and Food Chemistry at the Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) is September 14, 2025.