The Cluster of Excellence GreenRobust invites applications for a PhD position in the Department of Plant Biochemistry at the Center for Plant Molecular Biology (ZMBP), University of Tübingen.

Plants rely on pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to detect invading pathogens, with leucine-rich repeat receptor-like proteins (LRR-RLPs) representing one of the most diverse receptor families. The overarching goal of our project, REVALUTION, is to re-evaluate ambiguous ligand–receptor interactions in an evolutionary framework. In close collaboration with the Koch/Walden group at the Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg, the project explores how genome evolution drives the diversification of plant immune receptors and their capacity to recognize diverse pathogen-derived molecules, using the Arabidopsis receptor RLP30 and the Nicotiana receptor RE02 as model systems (Yang et al., 2023, Nature Communications; Yang et al., 2025, Nature Biotechnology).

The successful candidate will join the research groups of Laura Medina-Puche and Andrea Gust at the ZMBP. The project combines evolutionary genomics, AI-guided structural modelling, and molecular and functional biology to discover novel Brassica immune receptors and unravel the molecular principles governing ligand recognition and downstream signalling in RLP30/RE02-like receptors.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated graduate with an excellent Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline. The ideal candidate has a strong interest in plant immunity and evolution, is proficient in English, and has practical experience in plant molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and microscopy.

The successful applicant will benefit from:

• A stimulating, collaborative, and supportive international research environment.
• Integration into the interdisciplinary GreenRobust research network.
• Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and facilities.
• Opportunities for scientific and professional development through mentoring and career training.

The position is available from January 2027 and is funded for three years (65% TV-L E13), with the

possibility of extension.Tübingen is a vibrant university town offering an exceptional quality of life in a beautiful historic setting. The University of Tübingen is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. We particularly encourage applications from qualified women. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal qualification, in accordance with German law.

Please submit your application as a single PDF file containing:

• a cover letter,
• a summary of your previous research experience,
• a curriculum vitae, and
• the contact details of two academic referees.

Applications should be sent by 9th October 2026 via email to Dr. Andrea Gust (andrea.gust@zmbp.uni-tuebingen.de) or Dr. Laura Medina-Puche (laura.medina-puche@zmbp.uni-tuebingen.de). Screening of applications will begin on 10th October 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The employment will be handled by the central administration office of the University of Tübingen.