The Julius Kühn-Institut is both a federal research institute and a higher federal authority (Bundesoberbehörde) directly affiliated to the Federal Ministery of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). We develop resource-conserving, economically viable and socially acceptable crop production systems against the backdrop of climate change.
ABBA (apple, bacteria, bee, antagonists) on Fire (fire blight) is an internal JKI project that is investigating an innovative treatment approach based on natural tailocin-producing bacteria for the control of the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora in organic fruit cultivation. In addition to efficacy, possible effects on non-target organisms and the influence of environmental factors will be analysed. Six JKI institutes are involved in this project: the Institute for National and International Plant Health, the Institute for Bee Protection, the Institute for Epidemiology and Pathogen Diagnostics (Braunschweig), the Institute for Plant Protection in Fruit Crops and Viticulture (Dossenheim), the Institute for Fruit Breeding Research (Dresden) and the Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology (Quedlinburg).The project is planned methodologically very diverse.
The possibility of writing a PhD thesis is given.
Research Scientist in Plant - Insect Biology/ PhD candidate (f/m/d)
Activities and responsibilities
- Identification, characterization and application (specificity testing, range of action) of natural tailocin-producing antagonistic bacteria for fire blight control;
- Verification of results based on in vitro and in vivo experiments using molecular (PCR, qPCR) and microscopic techniques (fluorescence microscopy, CLSM; TEM);
- Planning, implementation and evaluation of experiments on possible effects on pollinator insects (honeybees, bumblebees);
- Close co-operation with the partners in the network;
- Presentation of results in form of reports, oral presentations and publications;
- Co-supervision of Master's and Bachelor's theses and internships.
Qualification profile
- University degree (Bachelor, Master or Diploma) in Biology, Plant Sciences or a comparable discipline;
- practical experience with molecular biological and microbiological methods (PCR, sequence analyses, RNA isolation, qRT-PCR, cloning);
- Solid knowledge of microbiology and, if possible, experience in working with insects;
- Knowledge in the field of bee biology;
- Interest in microscopy (TEM, CLSM);
- a high level of motivation, a reliable way of working and a collegial and constructive team spirit;
- Experience in independently conducting experiments and statistically analysing data sets, especially with R;
- good written and spoken German and English, and good computer skills;
- Driving license class III (B) and willingness to travel occasionally.
We offer
- a varied, challenging, and interesting interdisciplinary job in an international working environment;
- a 65% employment with 25.35 hours a week for 3 years. The employment contract will be based on the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD).
- remuneration according to salary group E 13 TVöD if you have the required qualifications and skills;
- starting date: 01 October 2024.
The Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) is an equal opportunities employer. Where possible, we offer flexible working time models to reconcile work and family life. The JKI is committed to inclusion. Applications from people with disabilities are therefore expressly welcome and given special consideration in the selection process.
More information
PD Dr. Silvio Erler
Phone:
+49 (0) 3946 47-7217 email and
Dr. Yvonne Becker
Phone:
+49 (0) 3946 47-6110 email If you see any problems with applying online via interamt, send your full application with all documents as one pdf-document to email with the reference BS-BS-WA-18-24