By scholarshipswithaakash@gmail.com 
Are you passionate about plant physiology and the genetic mechanisms behind plant development? A Postdoctoral Position in Environmental Control of Branching in Arabidopsis is now open at the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland in the Plant Developmental Plasticity Lab led by Dr. Martina Legris.
This is a prestigious 2-year postdoctoral opportunity funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). The research aims to uncover how temperature signals influence shoot branching in Arabidopsis thaliana—a model plant for developmental and molecular studies.
📍 Location: University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland
🌿 Lab: Plant Developmental Plasticity Lab, Institute of Biology
🧬 Field: Plant Physiology, Development, Thermomorphogenesis
🗓 Start Date: Between November 2025 and January 2026
📅 Application Deadline: 15 August 2025
📧 Apply to: martina.legris@unine.ch
🎯 Focus Keyword: Postdoctoral Position in Environmental Control of Branching in Arabidopsis
This Postdoctoral Position in Environmental Control of Branching in Arabidopsis offers a unique opportunity to lead a new research project within a supportive and dynamic scientific environment. The goal is to dissect the molecular and physiological basis of how warm temperatures regulate plant branching, a process known as shoot thermomorphogenesis.
🔬 About the Project – Thermomorphogenesis and Shoot Branching
Plants are constantly sensing their environment and adjusting their architecture accordingly. One key environmental cue is temperature, which affects everything from flowering time to shoot branching.
The focus of this project is:
- To investigate how Arabidopsis perceives and integrates temperature signals
- To understand the molecular mechanisms controlling branching patterns
- To identify genetic regulators and downstream effectors of temperature-mediated branching
- To explore phenotypic plasticity using bioinformatics, transcriptomics, microscopy, and molecular genetics
You will be working in a newly established lab that is exploring plant-environment interactions through cutting-edge techniques and interdisciplinary collaborations.
🔬 About the Lab – Plant Developmental Plasticity Group
Led by Dr. Martina Legris, the Plant Developmental Plasticity Lab is part of the Institute of Biology at the University of Neuchâtel. The lab studies:
- How plants perceive light and temperature cues
- How they integrate these signals to regulate development and morphology
- The molecular and genetic basis of adaptive traits like shoot branching
Visit: Plant Developmental Plasticity Lab
The lab fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and interdisciplinary work culture with strong support for independent scientific development.
✅ Candidate Requirements
To be eligible for this Postdoctoral Position in Environmental Control of Branching in Arabidopsis, applicants must have:
✔️ A PhD in Biology, Plant Physiology, Molecular Biology, or a related field
✔️ At least one first-author research publication
✔️ Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
✔️ Experience in one or more of the following:
- Molecular genetics and gene regulation
- Plant phenotyping and development
- Confocal or fluorescence microscopy
- RNA sequencing and transcriptomics
- Bioinformatics and data analysis
Most importantly, you should bring intellectual curiosity, technical independence, and a passion for understanding how plants adapt to their environment.
🧪 Techniques You Will Use
- Arabidopsis genetics and phenotyping
- Confocal microscopy for cellular imaging
- RNA-seq and transcriptomic profiling
- Bioinformatics and statistical analysis
- Quantitative morphology and heat-responsive assays
The research offers hands-on training in modern molecular biology and climate adaptation research, making this a high-impact postdoc project.
🌍 Life in Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Located on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, the city offers a beautiful natural setting, excellent infrastructure, and a high standard of living. Switzerland is ranked among the best countries for scientific research and quality of life.
At the University of Neuchâtel:
- 🌱 You’ll join one of the largest biological research institutes in Switzerland
- 🧬 Work among 160 staff and 15 research units
- 💬 English is the working language of the lab and department
- 🤝 Collaborations span across Plant Physiology, Molecular Biology, and Developmental Genetics
This is a perfect destination for an ambitious postdoc looking to grow in science and enjoy the outdoors.
📝 How to Apply
Interested in applying for the Postdoctoral Position in Environmental Control of Branching in Arabidopsis?
📩 Send your application to:
Dr. Martina Legris
📧 Email: martina.legris@unine.ch
📌 Subject line: Postdoc application – [Your Name]
📄 Attach a single PDF file including:
- A detailed CV
- A motivation letter explaining your interest and suitability
- Contact details of three referees
📅 Deadline: 15 August 2025
📅 Start Date: Between November 2025 and January 2026
📌 Why Apply for This Postdoctoral Position?
- ✔️ Fully funded 2-year postdoc in Switzerland
- ✔️ Work on thermomorphogenesis, a cutting-edge topic in plant science
- ✔️ Be part of a Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) funded project
- ✔️ Develop your independent research profile
- ✔️ Collaborate with top scientists in plant development and molecular biology
If you’re passionate about plant-environment interaction, this postdoc is your gateway to scientific excellence in Europe.
🔗 Internal & External Links
✅ Plant Developmental Plasticity Lab – University of Neuchâtel
✅ Swiss National Science Foundation
✅ University of Neuchâtel
✅ More scholarships and jobs
📧 Need help with CV, motivation letter, or application strategy?
Write to us at: scholarshipswithaakash@gmail.com
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