Postdoctoral Researcher Position— N-terminomics and Protease Degradomics (m/f/d) (11/2026)

Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzenbiochemie IPB

06120 Halle (Saale)

Bewerbungsfrist nicht angegeben

Your area of responsibility

The question How does proteolytic regulation control plant plasma-membrane receptor function and plant immune responses?
The plant plasma membrane is a dynamic hub for nutrient uptake, pathogen detection and stress signalling, anchored by surface receptors.
In animals, proteolytic cleavage of membrane proteins is a major regulatory mechanism in immunity. In plants, its role remains largely unexplored.
FRONTERA, funded by the European Research Council through an ERC Starting Grant, sets out to close that gap.
The project combines chemoproteomics, cell biology, protease biochemistry and genetics, and looks at both sides of the process: the proteases that cut, and the substrates they act on.
It is curiosity-driven research with a long view towards crop resilience and sustainable agriculture.

You will lead the degradomics side of FRONTERA, establishing terminomics in our system to identify cleaved substrates and map where they are cut.
Establish and optimise a terminomics workflow for plant samples
Identify protease substrates and determine cleavage sites, and follow how processing changes during immune responses
Develop the data analysis alongside the wet-lab method, working with our in-house mass spectrometry facility
Validate candidate cleavage events biochemically and relate them to immune signalling, in collaboration with the team
Co-supervise a doctoral researcher
Present and publish your scientific data

A doctoral degree in biochemistry, analytical chemistry, molecular biology, plant science or a closely related field. If your thesis is submitted but not yet defended by the start date, please apply and tell us your timeline.
Substantial hands-on experience in MS-based proteomics, working independently from sample preparation through to data analysis
Interest in mentoring a doctoral researcher
Excellent English language skills, written and spoken. German is not required.
Desirable Terminomics or degradomics
Protease biochemistry
Quantitative proteomics with isobaric or metabolic labelling
Scripting for proteomics data analysis (R, Python), search engines, downstream statistics
Experience in adapting or establishing proteomics workflows for new sample types or questions. Tell us about one in your cover letter.
Work with plant material
Supervision or teaching experience

Modern Working Conditions: Comprehensive introduction to work techniques and a modern research environment with state-of-the-art equipment and up-to-date software
Career Development: Targeted training opportunities and access to a specialized library with electronic resources and quiet workspaces
Compensation & Security: Classification according to TV-L including annual bonus, pension scheme (VBL), health offers, and discounted canteen meals
Ideal Working Environment: A varied and inspiring workplace in an international setting at a leading scientific and innovation hub
Team Spirit and Leadership Culture: An open culture that strengthens teamwork, enables career networking, and promotes your research skills
Work-Life Balance: Flexible working models, remote work options, and 30 days of annual leave – for a balanced work-life experience