PhD Position: Decoding cell lineages in a miniature flowering plant
Develop a synthetic genetic recorder in duckweed to reconstruct cell lineages and plant development.
Best for:Best for molecular biologists and geneticists interested in synthetic biology, genome engineering, and developmental lineage tracing.
Overview
The International PhD Programme (IPP) Mainz, hosted at the Institute of Molecular Biology, invites ambitious researchers to undertake a doctoral project focusing on plant developmental biology and synthetic biology. Working within the research group of Shuqing Xu, the successful candidate will design a synthetic DNA-barcode system using the fast-growing flowering plant Lemna aequinoctialis as a model organism. This project integrates synthetic biology, genome editing, molecular genetics, and computational lineage reconstruction to study how single cells give rise to complex plant tissues. The selected PhD student will benefit from state-of-the-art core facilities, advanced scientific training, and a vibrant international research environment.
What you'll do
- Develop a synthetic DNA-barcode system that accumulates programmable mutations during cell division
- Perform genome-engineering and molecular genetics experiments using Lemna aequinoctialis as an experimental model
- Utilize sequencing technologies to read molecular records and reconstruct cell ancestry
- Investigate fundamental biological questions regarding founder cells, stem-cell lineages, and tissue differentiation
- Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team combining synthetic biology and computational lineage tracing
- Present research findings at scientific meetings and prepare data for publication
Requirements
Degree required: Master Degree or equivalent
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; good command required
Instruction: English
- Background in molecular biology, genetics, genome engineering, developmental biology, or computational biology
- Interactive personality with strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Good command of the English language
- Hold a Master's degree or equivalent qualification prior to starting
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15 (Europe/Berlin)
Interested candidates must submit their application through the online IPP application platform. Applicants should select Shuqing Xu as their group preference during the application process and ensure all requested documentation and reference letters are provided before the deadline.
- CV
- 2 letters of reference
Contact
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