Open projects
This is a selection of open projects offered for the summer term 2024. If you wish to apply, please use the link at the end of each project description. Please note that the projects might have different deadlines. More open projects you might find using the following link https://www.uni-giessen.de/karriere/stellenangebote/ausschreibungen/wissenschaftliche-mitarbeiter .
Supervisor | ProjectID |
---|---|
PD Dr. Michael Frei |
1 |
Project Description |
---|
As part of the joint project TRIO (Transformative Mixed Crop Systems for One Health), which is funded by the Hessian State Offensive for the Development of Scientific and Economic Excellence (LOEWE), we are looking for a PhD student for four years. The TRIO project is concerned with the climate resilience of mixed crops of wheat and spice plants (caraway, fennel, coriander). The universities of Kassel, Justus Liebig University Giessen and Hochschule Geisenheim University are involved in the project. The position offered here is based at the Institute of Crop Production and Yield Physiology at JLU and will primarily deal with questions of drought stress resilience in mixed crops in comparison to pure wheat crops.
Your tasks at a glance:
For Further Information click here. |
Description of the Team |
---|
Our transdisciplinary and very internatonal research steam investigates sustainalbel crop production witha focus on the adaptation of crops to abiotic stress. This includes climate-related stresses (e.g. drought or heat), which are becoming increasingly important for crop production in the course of global change. In addition, environmental pollution affects plant production, for example in the form of the air pollutant ozone. A third important cause of abiotic stress is mineral imbalances in soils, i.e. deficiencies and toxicities. These stress factors reduce agricultural yields and impair product quality. We look at crop stands at the field level, but we also want to understand basic tolerance mechanisms at the individual plant and molecular level. We consider our scientific approach as translational research, in which we use fundamental scientific advances, for example in plant molecular biology, phenotyping and digitalization, to develop application-oriented solutions and thus constribute to sustainable plant production. |
Requirements |
- Very good written and oral language skills in English, German skills are an advantage
|
Funding |
---|
The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 II-6 TV-H) 65% part-time position for four years. |
Supervisor | ProjectID |
---|---|
Prof. Dr. Emily Poppenborg Martin; Prof. Dr. Ricardo Perez-Alvarez |
2 |
Description |
---|
We are looking for a highly motivated early career researcher who enjoys collaborating and has a strong interest in one or more of the following fields: plant-insect interactions, chemical ecology, conservation biology, entomology, biodiversity monitoring, evolutionary ecology, global change biology or agroecology. A particular focus on trait-matching of plant-insect interactions is anticipated for this position. We offer access to our group’s state-of-the art facilities for field work, greenhouse and lab experiments.
Your tasks at a glance:
For further information click here. |
Description of the Team |
---|
Our group studies how biodiversity dynamics at different spatial and temporal scales arise from the management of agricultural landscapes and influence the provision and stability of ecosystem services in farmland . Our work is largely motivated by the need to combine biodiversity conservation with crop production in landscapes under global change. To address our research objectives, we use methods ranging from field ecology, chemical and molecular ecology, to statistical and process-based modelling.
Our offer to you:
|
Expected skills |
---|
• Completed Master‘s or equivalent university degree in Biology, Ecology, Agricultural sciences, Landscape sciences, Landscape/Environmental Planning or similar
• Knowledge of and interest in issues relating to the conservation of arthropod diversity and their functions and services in agricultural landscapes • Skills in ecological field work, especially in entomology • Experience and/or interest in chemical ecology, insect and plant identification, GIS and statistical data analysis is an advantage • Proficiency in written and spoken English is required; good German language skills are an advantage • Driving license class B |
Funding |
---|
The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 II-6 TV-H) 65% part-time position, limited to 3 years of funding. |
Supervisor | ProjectID |
---|---|
Dr. Sudhanshu Bhushan; Prof. Dr. Andreas Meinhardt |
3 |
Description |
---|
Macrophages are the dominant immune cell population in the adult testis: They are derived from fetal liver precursors or early neonatal monocytes, but are maintained throughout adulthood without replacement from the blood. Our preliminary single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) analyses of CD45+ leukocytes isolated from healthy murine testes revealed several heterogenous testicular macrophage (TM) populations with distinct phenotypes, functions, transcriptional profiles and localization. Such heterogeneity suggests that niche-specific factors induce distinct macrophage-differentiation programs that drive TM subset evolution. Interestingly, under conditions of inflammation or TM-depletion, macrophages derived from blood monocytes occupy the empty testicular niche and differentiate into TM, suggesting that the testicular microenvironment can determine the TM phenotype. Indeed, our scRNA-Seq analysis revealed a distinct subset of interstitial macrophage populations that express insulin-like growth factor-1 — a growth factor that promotes Leydig cell differentiation — and various immunoregulatory molecules that regulate wound and tissue healing. This population could, therefore, be required to resolve inflammation and promote Leydig cell development. Elucidating the microenvironmental interactions that regulate TM development provides a better basis to understand the biological processes driving conditions such as male infertility. As such, this proposal aims: 1) To spatially resolve the testicular niche and the microenvironmental factors that determine TM phenotypes; 2) to elucidate whether infiltrating monocytes replace resident TM under inflammatory conditions; and 3) to understand the role of interstitial macrophage subsets under normal conditions. We will leverage a multi-omics approach based on scRNA-Seq, spatial transcriptomics, and CODEX multiplexed imaging to interrogate cell type-specific, in vivo knockout TM systems. We will combine these assays with in vitro analyses and functional profiling of the testes during homeostasis and under inflammatory conditions. This will allow us to refine the role of niche-specific factors in determining TM phenotypes and hopefully in the future, design suitable interventions for patients with inflammation-driven infertility. |
Description of the team |
---|
As a member of our group, you will be part of a dynamic international work environment that leverages cutting-edge technology, providing you with the opportunity to participate in diverse and impactful research projects. You will have the chance to showcase your research findings at both national and international scientific conferences. Additionally, you will have access to a comprehensive qualification program for doctoral students offered by the International Giessen Graduate Center for the Life Sciences GGL (https://www.uni-giessen.de/fbz/zentren/ggl). This program includes scientific seminars, hands-on courses, guidance in presentation and writing techniques, and support in career planning. |
Expected skills |
---|
• Possession of a Master's or equivalent degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Biological Science, Medicine, or related fields.
• Demonstrated keen interest in immunology/macrophage biology, coupled with strong motivation for research lab work. • Ability to independently learn, comprehend, think critically, and conduct experiments, showcasing proficiency in mastering advanced techniques in immunology and molecular/cell biology. • Desirable experience in working with animals, preferably holding a FELASA B certificate. • Priority given to candidates with prior experience in immunology and proficiency in basic immunological techniques such as flow cytometry and cell culture. • Basic knowledge of R and Python is desirable. • Excellent communication and writing skills in English. • Exceptional motivation, commitment, and a high level of teamwork ability as personal attributes. |
Funding |
The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 II-6 TV-H) 65% part-time position, limited to 3 years of funding. supervision, lab space and personal funding are available |
Apply here before 20 February 2024
Supervisor | ProjectID |
---|---|
Prof. Andreas Gattinger; Dr. Wiebke Niether |
4 |
Project Description |
---|
• Investigations on the interactions of trees on the adjacent cropland in various agroforestry systems in Germany by soil chemical and soil physical ´characterisation
For more information click here. |
Requirements |
Completed university degree (MSc or diploma) in agricultural, environmental or life sciences
• Knowledge of soil sciences and soil – plant interactions • Good insights into practical agriculture including in-depth knowledge of soil, animal, plant and environmental sciences • Ability to work in a team and communication skills • Very good oral and written presentation skills in German and English • Drivers licence class B, ideally BE; the willingness to drive around Germany to the practical farms |
Funding |
---|
The position is to be filled subject to the final approval in the project "MODEMA - Modell- und Demonstrationsnetzwerk für Agroforstwirtschaft in Deutschland" for a limited duration until 31.12.2026 at the Chair of Organic Farming, Institute of Agronomy and Plant Breeding II at the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Nutritional Sciences and Environmental. The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 II-6 TV-H) 65% part-time position. |