Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben

The Quantitative Genetics research group is interested in developing statistical genomics toolboxes to decipher the genetic architecture of important crop traits like grain yield heterosis. In the era of large population size and dense genomic data such as whole-genome sequencing, new algorithms are needed to remove the bottleneck of computational load for such a development. In the frame of a third party funded research project, we are looking for a PhD Student to work on and develop breeding strategies to mine Winter-wheat accessions stored in the IPK genebank:

Your tasks

• You work with elite × crop wild relative crosses to develop pre-breeding material that bridges research and applied breeding.
• You analyze experimental field data from breeding populations to investigate the genetic basis of traits such as visual anther extrusion, heading date, plant height, and grain yield.
• You process genotypic data, ensure its alignment with phenotypic data, and conduct association analyses to identify informative marker–trait relationships.
• You curate data in accordance with FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) and integrate it with existing datasets of similar scope.

Your qualifications and skills

• You hold a MSc in plant science, plant breeding, biology, or a related quantitative field with a focus on biology.
• You have hands-on experience in crop genomics and managing genotyping data.
• You bring first experience with biostatistics methods, e.g. with mixed-models.
• You are familiar with data analysis using programming languages like R, and/or Python.
• You have excellent communication skills and a willingness to collaborate across disciplines.

You fit to us

• if you have strong scientific curiosity and motivation.
• If you can work both independently and as part of a team.
• If you are comfortable with working in an English-focused research environment.

We offer you

• the opportunity to work in a world-class research center with state-of-the-art facilities and scientists from all over the world.
• a collegial working atmosphere.
• a 3-year PhD position, starting earliest by 15.10.2025.
• a gross salary up to 65% E13 TV-L.

If you need further information, feel free to contact Abhishek Gogna Tel.: +49 (0) 39482 5844 or Prof. Dr. Jochen Christoph Reif Tel.: +49 (0) 39482 5840 directly

What you need to know

For us, your qualifications and strengths count. Therefore, everyone is welcome – independent of gender, origin, age, or disability. The IPK is striving to increase the proportion of women in sectors where they are underrepresented and, therefore, explicitly encourages qualified women to apply. Our institute has been certified for Career and Family ("berufundfamilie”), and we offer family-friendly working conditions and flexible working hours. The IPK has set a goal to employ more people with disabilities. Qualified applicants with a disability will be given preference.

Your application

We are looking forward to receiving your online-application as one single pdf-file (http://www.ipk-gatersleben.de/en/job-offers/) by 17.09.2025. If you have questions or require more information, please contact Kerstin Schweigert (jobs(at)ipk-gatersleben.de) Please indicate the reference number 54/08/25 in your correspondence. Foreign qualifications must carry out an equivalence test in Germany, which is subject to a fee. This must be presented in the event of later hiring: https://zab.kmk.org/en/statement-comparability