One Postdoctoral position at MPIMP – Potsdam

The Virus Replication & Plant Tolerance (VRPT) group at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Plant Physiology (MPIMP) in Potsdam, Germany, is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to initially work on one of two possible projects.

What are we about? We want to understand how RNA viruses hijack their plant host’s endomembrane system to successfully achieve the most critical step of the viral cycle: viral RNA replication. Because any interaction is a two-way system, we are also curious about how the plant host senses and responds to the membrane disruption caused by viruses. We focus on selective autophagy which maintains cellular homeostasis during infection. Characterizing both viral and plant factors involved in both aspects is of great importance for fundamental virology but also for crop disease prevention.

Project 1 – Autophagy controls plant cell death execution – We have recently discovered a novel selective autophagy pathway that regulates plant immunity via EDS1 degradation during viral infection in plants. This pathway is mediated by two classes of conserved filamentous enzymes that double as selective autophagy receptors (https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.05.06.590709). Key open questions include how the receptors become competent for degradation, how they recruit EDS1, and what the broader implications are for plant immunity. This project involves a wide array of methods including live cell imaging, biochemistry and plant genetics.

Project 2 – Development of a proximity labeling toolkit for rapid Viral Replication Complex profiling – RNA viruses rely on endomembrane hijacking for their replicative activity, giving rise to membrane-coupled Viral Replication Complexes (VRCs). We develop innovative strategies to detect and profile host and viral factors that are part of viral replication complexes (VRCs) across multiple plant species. The project combines live imaging, advanced proteomics and plant genetics and includes refining and expanding an existing toolkit. The scientist in charge of this project will also characterize candidate factors identified through these approaches and will be embedded in a highly collaborative network, including partners at Leibniz Institute DSMZ (Braunschweig), IBMP (Strasbourg), and ZMBP (Tübingen).

Who are we looking for? We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a degree in molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics, or a related field, and with previous laboratory experience. Experience in virology, plant science or bioinformatics is advantageous but not required. If you enjoy actively shaping your research, are comfortable independently troubleshooting and optimizing experimental workflows our lab is a great space for you. We value curiosity, resilience, and the ability to navigate uncertainty inherent to discovery-driven research. A strong track record demonstrated by first-author publication(s) or preprint(s) is required, and you are strongly encouraged to apply for independent fellowships. If you enjoy hands-on experimental work, think critically about data, and can communicate your science clearly to a diverse audience of plant scientists, you will thrive in our international research environment.

What do we offer? In the VRPT group you can work on a scientifically stimulating project in a small and highly dedicated team. We have very rigorous standards and are committed to producing work that contributes meaningfully to the field. The position is funded for three years and salary follows the German public service pay scale. Starting dates are flexible, ideally in early 2026. Both the VRPT group and MPIMP are equal opportunity employers, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

How to apply? Please submit your application to marion.clavel@mpimp-golm.mpg.de, including:

• a motivation letter,
• a CV,
• a brief description of current research interests and experience,
• a list of publications,
• and contact details of at least two academic referees
  (all documents combined into a single PDF file).