Doctoral student

The Chair of Phytopathology at the Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Life Sciences, hires a Doctoral student in the field of molecular plant pathology Crops are increasingly affected by microbial diseases, highlighting the need for durable and broad plant defence strategies. Our research group investigates plant signalling pathways that contribute to fungal entry into host epidermal cells and are actively manipulated by the pathogen to promote infection. Our primary goal is to understand the molecular mechanisms allowing fungal entry, which may ultimately inform the identification of potential targets for resistance breeding in the future.

Our group focuses on the role of RAC/ROP GTPase-mediated signalling at the plant–fungus interface and its contribution to cellular changes that facilitate the establishment of the powdery mildew Blumeria hordei in the cereal crop barley. Particularly in this project, we are interested in better understanding the molecular functions of RIC proteins, which have been identified as downstream interactors of barley RAC/ROP GTPases. In Arabidopsis, RICs are known to influence the actin cytoskeleton, raising the question of whether they also contribute to cytoskeletal rearrangements required for successful fungal penetration in barley. To address these questions, we employ an integrative approach that combines phenotypic and genotypic analysis of newly generated overexpression and CRISPR-Cas9 knockout lines with infection assays, microscopy, proteomics, and bioinformatics, aiming to further elucidate the molecular changes driven by ROP signaling contributing to barley’s susceptibility to powdery mildew.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate a strong interest in hands-on research in molecular plant biology, genetics, and microscopy. Prior knowledge and practical experience with CRISPR-Cas9 in plants and/or molecular biology in plant-pathogen interactions are desirable. Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is essential. A very good Master’s degree in Biology or a closely related discipline is required.

The project will be carried out in the group of Prof. Dr. Ralph Hückelhoven under co-supervision by Dr. Sabine Brumm at the TUM campus in Freising-Weihenstephan, close to Munich. The chair hosts several research groups studying molecular biology of plant immunity and plant-plant pathogen evolution. In addition, we have several collaborations both national and international and direct access to state of the art technology for microscopy, proteomics, bioinformatics, all kinds of molecular biology and cell biology techniques and high quality plant growth rooms and infection chambers.

The Technical University of Munich is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from qualified women and individuals with disabilities. The salary is according to German/Bavarian income level TV-L E13 (65%). First contract is going to be restricted to two years time. Please send your comprehensive application including a letter of motivation (1 page), your CV, all relevant certificates, list of publications, and names of 2 potential referees as a single pdf file by email to: sabine.brumm(at)tum.de.

Applications will be reviewed regularly from July 10th 2025 on but accepted until a suitable candidate is found. Anyhow, applications that arrive after August 31st likely cannot be considered.

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Dr. Sabine Brumm
TUM School of Life Sciences
Technische Universität München
Emil-Ramann-Str. 2
D-85354 Freising-Weihenstephan

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Kontakt: sabine.brumm(at)tum.de