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

The Network Analysis and Modelling uses machine learning to investigate how genetic variation shapes gene regulation, protein function, and, ultimately, observable plant traits. We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join a DFG-funded international project that investigates plant - microbiome interactions through large-scale metabolomics and other - omics platforms.

Your tasks:

• Process and curate LC-MS/MS data for high-quality feature extraction
• Design and train machine-learning models for mass spectrometry and chemometric data
• Integrate multi-omic data including genomics and transcriptomics
• Present findings at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals

Your qualifications and skills:

• You hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Bioinformatics, Data Science, Systems Biology or other relevant fields.
• You have programming experience in Python and/or R (e.g. scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• You have knowledge of omics technologies, ideally mass spectrometry and chemometrics.
• You also have knowledge of basic molecular biology/biochemistry.

You fit to us:

• if you have a strong scientific curiosity and motivation.
• if you enjoy interdisciplinary teamwork at the interface of biology and data science.
• if you can work independently and transparently manage and communicate data science projects.

We offer you:

• a world-class research environment with state-of-the-art omics, high-performance computing and imaging facilities.
• a collegial, international atmosphere and flexible, family-friendly working hours
• a structured PhD programme with extensive training and career-development opportunities.
• a 3-year project-based position, starting on 01.10.2025
• a gross salary up to 65% E13 TV-L.

If you need further information, please feel free to contact Dr. Jedrzej Jakub Szymanski Tel.: +49 39482 5-753 directly.

What you need to know:

For us, your qualifications and strengths count. Therefore, everyone – independent from gender, origin, age, or possible disability – is welcome. The IPK is striving to increase the proportion of women in sectors where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages qualified women to apply. As an institution which has been awarded the Certificate for Career and Family ("berufundfamilie”), 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 receive your complete online-application (letter of motivation, CV, certificates) as one single pdf-document (https://www.ipk-gatersleben.de/en/career/job-offers) until 03.09.2025. If you have questions or require more information, please do contact Kerstin Schweigert (jobs(at)ipk-gatersleben.de). Please indicate the reference number 52/07/25 in your correspondence. Please note that incomplete application documents cannot be considered. Foreign qualifications must carry out an equivalence test in Germany, which is subject to a fee. This must be presented in the event of a later hiring: https://zab.kmk.org/en/statement-comparability