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

The research group Genetics and Physiology of Root Development studies crop root anatomical and architectural traits. Research is mainly focused on cereals. We aim to leverage high-throughput phenotyping to create knowledge about plant function at the physiological level and use forward genetics approaches to unravel the genetic architecture of root traits. We are currently working on an ERC funded project (FATE) to characterize the function and genetic control of maize root anatomical tissues to enhance plant stress tolerance.

Your tasks:

• Apply single-cell, single nuclei, and/or spatial transcriptomics to construct a high-resolution atlas of the maize root
• Analyze complex transcriptomic data
• Root architectural and anatomical phenotyping using microscopy
• Report your work in scientific journals and oral presentations

Your qualifications and skills:

• You hold a PhD in plant science, molecular biology, genetics, or related field.
• You have experience with modern genetic, genomic, and bioinformatic methods, such as sequencing data and sc/sn-RNA-seq or Stereo-seq.
• You have good communication skills and will to collaborate with researchers from different disciplines.

You fit to us:

• if you have a strong interest in plant genetics and root biology.
• if you have strong scientific curiosity and motivation.
• if you are able to work autonomously and in a team.
• You have problem solving skills.

We offer you:

• Close interaction with academic supervisor.
• A good infrastructure and welcoming work environment.
• A full-time position (100 %) limited for 3 years according to § 2 WissZeitVG with a standard salary up to TV-L E13.
• An entry from 01.02.2026 or later.
• Accommodation in IPK guest house (on request)

If you need further information feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Hannah Schneider Tel.: +49 (0) 39482 5506.

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 womenin 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 (http://www.ipk-gatersleben.de/en/job-offers/) as one single pdf-file by 30.11.2025. If you have questions or require more information, please contact Kerstin Schweigert (jobs(at)ipk-gatersleben.de). Please indicate the reference number 60/09/25 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 a later hiring: https://zab.kmk.org/en/statement-comparability