Contact

Post:

Kirschallee 1

53115 Bonn

Germany

Questions about specialized metabolism or plant genomics?

We are happy to answer questions about the flavonoid biosynthesis and other biosynthesis pathways that we investigate. You can also send us questions about sequencing technologies or plant genomics. Please direct questions to Boas Pucker.

The Molecular Plant Sciences group is present on several social media plattforms. Most post are in English to reach an international audience.

X (Twitter): @PuckerLab or @boas_pucker

LinkedIn: @PuckerLab

Instagram: @PuckerLab

Mastodon: @PuckerLab or @boas_pucker

BlueSky: @PuckerLab or @boas_pucker

Interested in Joining the Group?

We always have projects available for (Master's and Bachelor's) theses and research stays. Additionally, we encourage students to pursue their own project ideas. Bachelor’s and Master’s projects in our group often have the potential to result in publications. If you already have a specific project in mind, please mention it in your email. To get an impression of the type of research conducted in our group, please review our publications. We recommend focusing on those primarily authored by our group rather than collaborative projects with numerous other groups. There is no need to include multiple documents and certificates in your initial email. Instead, your first email should briefly but specifically describe what you are looking for and why you believe our group is the right fit for you. The most important attachment is a short CV (1–2 pages). Please ensure that your CV is in PDF format. To keep it concise, focus only on relevant information. To demonstrate that you have carefully reviewed the information on this website before applying, please include the following string at the end of your email subject line: "#PL2025". Emails should be addressed to Boas Pucker.

Additional Information for Students at the University of Bonn

In addition to your CV, please include your transcript of records in your application. Some projects require experience with specific molecular biology or bioinformatics methods. We recommend taking some of our courses as preparation. Please note that Bachelor’s and Master’s thesis projects are unpaid. If you are interested in pursuing a doctoral degree, please include a brief statement about your research interests and career objectives. Securing appropriate funding for your doctoral project is often the biggest challenge. There are various options, including funded positions (e.g., DFG, BMBF) and scholarships from German foundations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. If you aspire to an academic career, obtaining your own scholarship for an individual project is highly recommended. Please reach out to schedule a meeting to discuss the best funding options for your specific situation.

Additional Information for International Students

If you are interested in a PhD or postdoctoral position in our group, please send your CV along with a specific statement about your interest in our research. Be clear about why you want to join our group specifically, rather than sending a generic email to multiple research groups. Mass emails will not be answered. Your CV should include the following details: Date and place of birth, Current address, University education, Relevant work experience, Scholarships and awards received, and Publications. These details are essential for processing a research stay agreement if your application is successful. Please keep your CV concise, ideally no longer than two pages.

If your expertise and research interests align well with our group, the biggest challenge will be securing funding. There are numerous fellowship opportunities through EMBO, Marie Skłodowska-Curie, DAAD, and other organizations. Please contact us well in advance—several weeks before the application deadline—so we can plan a suitable research project together. While you are expected to write the project proposal yourself, we will provide substantial support throughout the process.

Writing a successful proposal requires significant time and effort (typically several weeks). Please carefully consider this commitment before applying. Additionally, be aware that scholarship decisions often take several months.

Interested in a collaboration?

We are generally open to exciting projects involving genomics and bioinformatics if there is a connection to our research. Please send an email to Boas Pucker.