PhD position in (bio)chemistry (m/f/d)Full PhD

In the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, the independent research group Receptor Biochemistry invites applications for a

PhD position in (bio)chemistry (m/f/d)
(Salary group E13 TV-L, part-time 65%) 

in the DFG-funded Integrated Research Training Group (RTG) Beyond Amphiphilicity – RTG 2670: Self-Organization of Soft Matter via Multiple Noncovalent Interactions . The position is funded from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2028.

Who we are:
The Independent Research Group Receptor Biochemistry harnesses the complex interplay between proteases and receptors during plant-pathogen interactions to uncover new molecular strategies for safeguarding crops. Join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment where computational chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and plant science converge to tackle real-world agricultural challenges. Information about the research group and the IPB can be found on the homepage: www.ipb-halle.de . To ensure optimal training in the diverse skills required to fulfill the aims of this projects, computational chemistry aspects of the project will be co-supervised by Dr. Mehedi Davari at the IPB ( Projects: Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry English ) and Chemical synthesis by Professor Martin Weissenborn at MLU ( AG Prof. Weissenborn )

Our Research Training Group BEyond AMphiphilicity – BEAM – combines highly original science and research projects that start off from the well-known and simple concept of amphiphilicity. We propose an innovative look at intermolecular interaction patterns that we foster and develop in research projects that span a broad range of modern physical chemistry, materials science, and biochemistry questions. Our qualification program, measures for recruiting, gender equality and family friendliness are equally innovative and ambitious – with the goals of finding the best young researchers early and of empowering all graduates to become proficient in research and be well-equipped for the job market ( Beyond Amphiphilicity – RTG 2670: Self-Organization of Soft Matter via Multiple Noncovalent Interactions )

The Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB) is a non-university research institution of the Leibniz Association on the Weinberg Campus of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. As a foundation under public law, the IPB is under direct supervision of the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The IPB is an internationally recognized research institution and consists of four scientific Departments and additional independent research groups (approx. 200 employees, including around 40 doctoral students). Research at the IPB aims to understand the (bio)chemical basis of plant resilience and performance in challenging environments related to climate change. The IPB offers excellent research facilities and state-of-the-art infrastructure to study the chemical diversity, biochemical interactions and biological functions of small natural product molecules in plants and fungi ( https://www.ipb-halle.de/en/ ). 

Research topic:
Dissecting the interactions that lead to selectivity of pepstatin-based probes for photoaffinity labelling of plant aspartic proteases
In this highly multidisciplinary project, we will study the polyphilic interactions that determine the specificity of pepstatin-based probes containing fluorinated amino acids for photoaffinity labelling towards plant aspartic proteases. To understand these determinants, we will harness the diversity of aspartic proteases from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and deploy chemical synthesis, advanced modelling, protease biochemistry, mass spectrometry and structural analysis methods. A detailed analysis of the consequences of this diversification will lead to an increased understanding of the polyphilic interactions in the active site of the proteases and would boost the development of better probes for aspartic proteases of plants and other organisms.
Your tasks:

• Virtual screening and molecular docking of probe variants
• Synthesis of pepstatin derived probes containing non-natural amino acids
• Binding efficiency, inhibition and selectivity tests
• Structure-based analysis of polyphillic interactions
• Presentation and publication of scientific data

The opportunity to obtain your own academic qualification as part of a doctorate is given.

Your profile:

• An excellent MSc degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry, chemistry, biology, computational science, bioinformatics, cheminformatics or closely related field
• Excellent English language skills (written and spoken)
• Highly motivated to work in a cooperative manner within the RTG
• Desirable knowledge and skills include:

      o    Understanding of the principles that define protein structures, functions, dynamics and       interactions
o    Protein structure prediction and modelling, e.g. in Rosetta, MODELLER, AlphaFold, etc.
o    Protein-peptide complex prediction or docking, e.g. in Rosetta, AlphaFold multimer, Haddock,          etc.
o    Peptide synthesis
o    Protein purification

 Our benefits:

• Excellent working conditions in an international environment 
• Flexible and family-friendly working hours and the possibility of home-office 
• Offer of professional training courses and measures for skill improvement 
• Compensation according to TV-L (including annual special payment) 
• Contribution to your company pension plan (VBL) 
• On-site opportunities for health promotion 

How to apply and information:
Please, contact Dr. Mariana Schuster for additional information ( mariana.schuster at ipb-halle.de ; Phone: +49 (0) 345 5582 1720)

Applications must include a cover letter describing research accomplishments and interests, a CV plus publication list, and contact details of 2 referees. Please send your complete application documents including the reference number 14/2025 exclusively by email to bewerbungen at ipb-halle.de .

Review of applications begins on August 15th and will continue until the position is filled.

Foreign qualifications must comply with German standards (TV-L-EntgeltO Protokollerklärung Nr. 1 Absatz 4) and be certified (equivalence test in Germany, subject to a fee) and presented to IPB Human Resources at the time of hiring: https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education

Diversity, family and equal opportunities:
The IPB aspires to the goal of equal opportunity, diversity, and the promotion of work-life balance as it was awarded the certificate "Total E-Quality". In addition, the IPB is a member of the nationwide company network "Success Factor Family" and of the “Diversity Charter” (Charta der Vielfalt). 

Further information can be found at: https://www.ipb-halle.de/en/institute/  

Data protection:
Please note the data protection information for applicants (m/f/d) according to Article 13 and 14 GDPR on data protection processing during the application process:
https://www.ipb-halle.de/en/career/data-protection-information-for-applicants/