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 including barley, wheat, and maize. 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 conducting projects to characterize the function and genetic control of root anatomical and architectural traits to enhance plant stress tolerance. This project will focus on characterizing xylem in maize roots.

Your tasks:

• Root architectural and anatomical phenotyping using imaging and microscopy.
• Plant and root physiological measurements to determine the function of (interacting) root phenotypes.
• Functional-structural plant and mathematical modeling to determine the benefit of root phenotypes for stress tolerance.
• Report your work in scientific journals and oral presentations.

Your qualifications and skills:

• You hold a PhD in plant science, crop science, biology, or related field.
• You have experience growing, managing, and phenotyping plants in the field and greenhouse.
• You have experience using modern approaches in root phenotyping, image analysis, simulation modeling to understand the functional roles of plant roots in agroecosystems.
• You have good communication skills and will to collaborate with researchers from different disciplines.
• You have problem solving skills.

You fit to us:

• If you have a strong interest in plant physiology and root biology.
• If you have strong scientific curiosity and motivation.
• If you are able to work autonomously and in a team.

We offer you:

• Close interaction with academic supervisor.
• A good infrastructure and welcoming work environment.
• A full-time position (100 %) limited for 2 years according to § 2 WissZeitVG with a standard salary up to TV-L E13.
• An entry from 01.04.2026 or later.
• Accommodation in IPK guest house (on request)

If you need further information feel free to contact 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 as one single pdf-file (http://www.ipk-gatersleben.de/en/job-offers/) by 15.02.2026. If you have questions or require more information, please contact Kerstin Schweigert (jobs(at)ipk-gatersleben.de). Please indicate the reference number 01/01/26 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