The Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) strives for excellence in horticultural research and related plant, environmental, and social sciences. Based in Großbeeren, close to Potsdam and Berlin, the IGZ is a member of the Leibniz Association (WGL). Our mission is to provide science-based solutions that address four challenges currently threatening horticultural systems: climate change, biodiversity and pesticide reduction, healthy nutrition and food quality, and resource-efficient agricultural and food systems. Our scientific expertise covers the entire spectrum, from molecular plant physiology and biochemistry to human nutrition, food security, and horticultural production systems, thereby covering the full range from fundamental to applied research.

Due to the imminent retirement of the current research group leader, we are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious

Research Group Leader (f/m/div) in Plant-Microbe Systems

Reference number: 23/2025/2

Employment will be initially for three years. The fixed term of employment is in accordance with Section 2 subsection 1 of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz or WissZeitVG). A permanent position as research group leader is being pursued upon a satisfactory evaluation of your performance. This decision will be taken based on transparent criteria under the guidance of an advisory committee. Your salary will be based on qualification and research experience according to TV-L, salary domain east, up to pay scale 15, full time. The position is suitable for part-time work for at least 32 hours per week. This position is potentially intended for a joint W2-S professorship (Jülicher Modell) at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin) (Faculty of Life Sciences; Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences). There will be a separate joint procedure for this at a later date.

As a research group leader at IGZ, you will lead a team of researchers and develop an innovative research line in plant-microbe interactions in line with the IGZ vision and research missions.

Your key responsibilities

• developing and implementing a cutting-edge experimental research line in plant-microbe interactions, in particular on plant pathogen resistance in horticultural crops, using state-of-the-art approaches, such as (meta)genomics, (meta)transcriptomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics
• securing funding through grant applications and collaborative partnerships
• publication of research output in international peer-reviewed Q1 journals and presentation at conferences
• collaboration with national and international partners to advance research and innovation
• transfer of research outcomes to horticultural production systems
• supervision of bachelor, master, and PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and technicians
• teaching courses in plant microbial interactions / plant pathology at the Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences curricula at the HU Berlin
• budget management, progress reporting, personnel and data management
• contributing to the IGZ strategic development as a member of the IGZ council and to outreach activities at IGZ

We are looking for candidates with

• a PhD degree in plant pathology, (micro)biology, plant sciences, or a related field with emphasis on plant-microbe interactions in horticultural or agricultural systems
• postdoctoral research experience
• a very good scientific publication record in the field of plant-microbe interactions with particular emphasis on agroecological aspects
• a proven track record in obtaining third party funding for research projects
• a proven track record in supervising and/or teaching bachelor, master, and PhD students
• experience in transferring scientific findings to industry or to professionals in horticulture / agriculture
• very good proficiency in English (both oral and written)
• good proficiently in the German language (B2 or higher) or explicit willingness to obtain this level in the first two years

We offer

• an inspiring research environment, including state-of-the-art research facilities, and highly-qualified support staff
• support to further develop your leadership and mentoring qualities
• flexible and family-friendly working time models and the possibility of mobile working (up to 50 % of working time)

Further information about the IGZ and the current members of the research group Plant-Microbe Systems can be found on the Internet at www.igzev.de . For questions, please contact the scientific director Prof. Nicole van Dam ( vandam@igzev.de ; phone: +49 33701 78-105).

We encourage a healthy work-life balance. The IGZ attaches great importance to equal opportunities. The IGZ embraces diversity in its workforce and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, world view, disability and belief, or ethnic origin. In an effort to increase the proportion of female employees in this area, we specifically urge women scientists to apply for the position.

To apply to this position, send a concise and specific motivation letter for this position plus a research statement (one A4 page max) specifying your vision to further develop and lead this research group aligned with the research missions of IGZ. In addition, you are asked to add a teaching statement. Also send your CV, names of two references, and copies of academic certificates. We prefer to receive applications by bewerbung@igzev.de in one PDF file by September 30, 2025 .