Technical Assistant position – Robustness of plant systems from molecules to ecosystems

Your tasks

• Experimental execution and horticultural activities in close interaction with the phytotechnical center’s gardening team. This includes, among other things, experimental planning, independent seed preparation, pricking out, watering, plant monitoring, phenotyping, and independent handling and maintenance of sensor technology and data loggers. Preventive measures against pests and, if necessary, the initiation of control measures in consultation with the gardening team.
• Ensuring the availability of work materials (e.g. pots, labels, seeds) and consumables in the laboratory (e.g. reagent tubes, chemicals)
• Application of drought stress and optimization of experimental conditions for nine plant species
• Preparation and execution of the harvest. Setting up the work area.
• Processing of plant material: This includes collecting biomass, as well as drying, grinding, and crushing the harvested material. Organization of the labeling system and storage of samples.
• Working according to standardized work protocols
• Maintaining an electronic lab notebook, e.g. eLabFTW, and other electronic LIMS systems after appropriate training.
• Various analyses will be carried out on the harvested plant material. The following specialization options are available:
  • Extraction of DNA and RNA from plant material frozen during harvesting and processing in preparation for modern sequencing methods.
  • Preparation of cell nuclei from fresh plant material in preparation for single-cell sequencing.
  • Microscopy: Preparation of fresh plant material for microscopy using clarified plant samples. Performance of microscopy work according to standardized protocols using a confocal microscope.

Your profile

• You have completed training as a state-certified technical assistant or training as a state-certified technician or equivalent vocational training.
• They look forward to varied tasks in an international team.
• We expect basic knowledge of plant anatomy and stress physiology.
• They enjoy working with plants in scientific greenhouse experiments and ideally already have experience in cultivating plants under controlled conditions.
• You are resilient and enjoy diverse tasks, some of which can be adapted to your skills (see specialization options).
• Knowledge of basic laboratory procedures and Good Laboratory Practice is advantageous.
• In the research field, we generally expect a high degree of personal responsibility and independent, structured work, as well as the ability to learn new, even difficult, methods.
• You are expected to independently handle complex technical equipment (environmental sensors, optionally also pipetting robots, confocal microscopes) after instruction.

What sets us apart

• A vibrant and innovative working environment on a green campus with short distances.
• A diverse and responsible role with creative freedom.
• Secure workplace
• Excellent work-life balance
• Flexible working hours & mobile working
• Diverse opportunities for personal and professional development
• Health promotion & university sports
• Job ticket & job bike

Your work environment

As a university with a distinct profile, the University of Hohenheim unites the three faculties of Agricultural Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Economics and Social Sciences. Our green campus, with its short distances between buildings, fosters collaboration and creates an inspiring environment for research, teaching, and work. Here, up-and-coming minds find a community in which they can grow and develop. Join us in shaping a sustainable future!

Equal opportunities and diversity are important to us. Your skills and strengths are what matter to us, regardless of age, gender, origin, or religion. Applications from people with disabilities or those with equivalent status are very welcome; we will give them preferential consideration if they are suitably qualified.

Have we sparked your interest?

We look forward to receiving your application via our online portal. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Mialy Razanajatovo, Scientific Coordinator, by telephone at +49 711 459 22967 or by email at ppa@uni-hohenheim.de.