Our newly established group studies the structural basis of the changes occurring in molecular complexes during cellular transitions, including during invasion by pathogens. Specifically, you will investigate the mechanisms of how pathogen effectors bind to their host targets to promote disease. You will implement a pipeline for identification of host proteins targeted by effectors from Magnaporthe oryzae , the causal agent of the destructive blast disease decimating rice and wheat crops worldwide. You will reconstitute effector/targets complexes in vitro and study their interaction at the structural level using X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM.
Your profile
We are looking for an ambitious postdoctoral candidate with good teamwork skills who can work independently in a goal-oriented manner. The candidate should have experience in protein purification (heterologously produced in bacteria or insect cells), structural biology and/or molecular host-microbe interactions demonstrable by at least one first author publication (either in peer-reviewed journals or preprint repositories). Experience in structural biology and or proteomics is highly desirable. Experience in Plant Biology and/or Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions is not required; you can be introduced to the field by us. Candidates looking to develop their own ideas are welcome to discuss possible implementation within our lab.
Environment
The ZMBP is a world-class institution in molecular plant biology, benefiting from brand-new infrastructures within the University of Tübingen science campus. The institution has a collaborative environment with multiple research groups working on various aspects of plant-pathogen interactions. Additionally, you will also benefit from established collaborations and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Tübingen is an international, dynamic, and lively university town.
For more details about the ZMBP, please visit: http://www.zmbp.uni-tuebingen.de/zmbp.html
The deadline for applications is 2 October 2026.
For more information and to apply, please visit our website.
