The Institute of Biology’s Department of Plant Physiology at the Faculty of Life Sciences seeks to fill the following position:

PhD Position (m/f/d/x)

Job vacancy from 03.07.2026 · Reference number 82/2026

Remuneration

Salary group 13 TV-L

Term

Fixed term of 3 years, Project funding

Volume

60 % of a full-time position

Start date

At the earliest opportunity, 1 November 2026 at the latest

Founded in 1409, Leipzig University is one of Germany’s largest universities and a leader in research and medical training. With around 30,000 students and more than 5000 members of staff across 14 faculties, it is at the heart of the vibrant and outward-looking city of Leipzig. Leipzig University offers an innovative and international working environment as well as an exciting range of career opportunities in research, teaching, knowledge and technology transfer, infrastructure and administration.

Microscopic algae (microalgae) are important primary producers in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. During the sexual reproduction of many microalgae, the formation of zygotes is coupled to the subsequent development of zygotes into resistant, dormant spores. These so-called zygospores possess an astounding ability to withstand various forms of abiotic stress, such as freezing or desiccation (Cardador et al., Plant J. 121, e17238 (2025)). In this project, we will study the zygote-to-zygospore transition at the molecular, genetic and physiological levels in the unicellular model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The findings of this project will help to understand how a eukaryotic photosynthetic cell can adapt its metabolism and turn into a resistant, inactive spore to survive under deteriorating environmental conditions. We are seeking a talented and highly motivated candidate to pursue doctoral research within this project.

The role

• Experimental investigation of zygotes and zygospores using various methods from plant physiology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and molecular biology
• Cultivation of algal cultures and characterization of suitable algal mutants
• Purification and characterization of a resistant cell wall polymer from zygospores

About you

• University degree (master’s level) in biochemistry, biology or a related field
• Very good written and spoken English
• Experience with the cultivation of microorganisms and with methods from plant physiology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry and/or molecular biology is desirable
• Ability to work independently, commitment and teamwork skills
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration.

What we offer you

• a responsible role in the exciting environment of a large university
• working in a friendly, helpful, and high-performing team
• flexible working hours and mobile working for a better work-life balance
• Opportunities for further training and professional development as part of a structured staff development programme
• diverse range of corporate health management
• Remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement for the states, including annual bonus and company pension plan
• excellent transport links and the option to purchase a discounted public transport ticket, such as the Deutschlandticket as a commuter pass
• extensive catering in the cafeterias and cafés of the Leipzig Student Services Association

Leipzig University aims to increase the proportion of women in positions of responsibility and therefore expressly invites qualified women to apply. Severely disabled persons – or persons deemed legally equal to them under Book IX of the German Social Code – are encouraged to apply and will be given preference in the case of equal suitability. If you have any questions about accessibility or need assistance with this application process, please contact Leipzig University’s disability officers at: .

Have we sparked your interest?

Please send your application with the usual documents to Professor Severin Sasso, Principal Investigator by 6 August 2026 via our online application portal.

If you have any questions regarding the job posting, please contact Professor Severin Sasso +49(0)341 9736893.

https://uni-leipzig.b-ite.careers/jobposting/cd451c9ade48032af98127f1a7a7a55710bad804