The Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics, of the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, in Großhansdorf offers a part-time position (25,35 hours/week) at the earliest possible date for a limited period of 36 months for a

research assistant / PhD student (f/m/d)

(biology, agricultural sciences, forestry or related disciplines)

to work on the DFG-funded project “Resolving the molecular genetics of monoecy and dioecy in the Salicaceae family to explore the evolution of plant sexual systems.”

In this project we want to study different tree species of the Salicaceae family with distinct sexual systems to address important questions regarding the molecular evolution of sex determination. For example, we would like to investigate whether the sex-determining genes are conserved across distant genera and whether the same genetic networks could control sex determination in different sexual systems, such as monoecy and dioecy. The Salicaceae family will serve as a model system to enhance our general understanding on this exciting topic.

The position, within the genome research group, will allow the applicant to pursue an academic qualification (doctorate degree) in cooperation with the department of biology of the University of Hamburg.

Tasks:

• Molecular biological lab work
• Analysis of DNA- and RNA-Seq data
• Organization and coordination of sampling in the greenhouse and field
• Data analysis, visualization and interpretation
• Publication and presentation of results
• Further development of ideas and active advancement of the project

We expect from the applicant the following qualifications:

• University degree (M.Sc./dipl.) in biology, agricultural sciences, forestry or related disciplines
• Willingness to do a doctorate
• Enthusiasm for science and high motivation to contribute to pushing forward the boundaries of current knowledge
• Good understanding of classical and molecular genetics
• Expertise or great interest in practical lab work and/or bioinformatic analyses of different sequencing data
• Excellent English language skills
• Knowledge of statistics and data analysis, preferentially with R

The employment relationship is based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD); remuneration is paid in accordance with pay group 13 TVöD.

We support the compatibility of work and family life and have been awarded the auditberufundfamilie certificate. In order to support compatibility, the Thünen Institute offers flexible working time models, home office, mobile working and teleworking, among other things, within the scope of official possibilities.

The Thünen Institute promotes professional equality between women and men and therefore expressly welcomes applications from women.

The Thünen Institute is committed to inclusion. Applications from people with severe disabilities are therefore expressly encouraged. They will be given special consideration in the selection process.

Please contact Niels Müller (+49 (0)4102-696108, niels.mueller@thuenen.de) for further information.

Interested candidates should send their application (including motivation letter, CV , copies of relevant certificates and letter of recommendation) as a single PDF file via email referring to “2024-260-FG“ until January 2nd, 2025 to

fg-bewerbungen@thuenen.de

Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institute

Institute of Forest Genetics

Sieker Landstraße 2

22927 Großhansdorf

Information in accordance with Article 13 DSGVO on the collection of personal data can be found at

www.thuenen.de/de/thuenen-institut/karriere