Postdoc – “Vein-stomatal signalling in grass leaf development”

About us

The “Stomatal Biology” group is welcoming applications for a fully funded post-doctoral position (2 years, extension possible). Our group studies how grasses and succulents build and pattern their 'breathing pores' or stomata by combining single-cell genomics, live imaging, genetics and protein biochemistry. We are hosted at the Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, and work at the intersection of plant developmental genetics, cell biology and gas-exchange physiology. Within the research unit “Cereal Stem Cell Systems - RU52350; https://cerealstemcells.de”, we are recruiting a Postdoc to investigate how grass leaves spatially coordinate the development of their veins and stomata.

We are looking for a postdoc with a completed PhD in plant biology, developmental biology, molecular biology or a related field. Proficient written and oral English skills and solid experience in (plant) molecular genetics, microscopy, and cell biology are required. Previous experience with model grass species, (plant) signalling, protein biochemistry, or single-cell/spatial transcriptomics is an advantage. An open, collaborative mindset for working within the research unit is expected.

The project

is funded by the SNSF and the DFG in the framework of the CSCS research unit. In grass leaves, stomatal rows always form next to leaf veins, suggesting that this spatial coordination is important for water supply and demand (Baird & Raissig (2026) Ann Rev Plant Biol Ann Rev Plant Biol). Yet how the development of veins and stomata is spatially coordinated remains an open question. Building on a single-cell atlas of grass leaf development from the first phase of this research unit (Berg et al. (2026) Plant Cell), this project will use spatial genomics, imaging, genetics and biochemistry to uncover how these two tissues communicate to place stomatal rows robustly next to the leaf veins.

We offer

a vibrant and inclusive research environment that strives to answer fundamental questions in plant development and physiology of grasses and succulents (see our lab mission statement). We offer state-of-the-art research infrastructure at the Institute of Plant Sciences in Bern, Switzerland (http://www.ips.unibe.ch). We are also affiliated with the Microscope Imaging Centre (www.mic.unibe.ch) and the Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research (www.oeschger.unibe.ch). This project is part of the Research Unit “Cereal Stem Cell Systems” (https://cerealstemcells.de).