Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB), Halle

The Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry invites applications to fill the position of

(Salary group E13 TV-L,working hours 100 %, limited for 3 years, funded by the BMBF,anticipated start date: January 2026 onwards (negotiable))

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join the INTEGRA project at IPB. The successful candidate will focus on molecular seed quality assessment using high-throughput metabolomics (LC MS/MS) and proteomics to support the breeding of climate-resilient crops. You will work with a multidisciplinary team from several project partners (incl. IPK Gatersleben and Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen) to analyze how controlled abiotic stress regimes (drought and flooding under different seasonal timings) affect the metabolome and proteome of rapeseed seeds. Your findings will serve as molecular fingerprints to support Deep Learning models for hybrid development.

Whom we are looking for:

An early career scientist with PhD(or equivalent) in Plant Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, or related field interested in integrated plant metabolomics and proteomics.

• Hands-on experience with LC-(ESI)-MS/MSwith metabolomic or proteomic samples is highly desired
• Experience in metabolite and protein extraction, MS data analysis tools and gel electrophoresis techniquesis highly desired
• Strong interest in plant stress physiology and molecular breeding.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Strong statistical skills, particularly in experimental design and data interpretation, are highly desired
• excellent skills in English (C1 level or higher)

What we offer:

• transdisciplinary, responsible and independent work
• Friendly and co-operative working atmosphere in a small team
• Thorough familiarization with new working methods and equipment
• State-of-the-art working conditions in a future-oriented environment of cutting-edge research
• Flexible, family-friendly working hours and home office arrangements
• Promotion of your skills through further training measures
• Holiday and grouping in accordance with the collective agreement of the federal states (including annual special payment)
• Promotion of your company pension scheme (VBL)
• Extensive health promotion programs

Who we are: The IPB is a non-university research institution of the Leibniz Association on the Weinberg Campus of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. Research of its four departments (ca. 200 employees, including about 40 PhD students) aims to understand the bio/chemical basis of plant resilience and performance in challenging environments. The IPB offers excellent research facilities and state-of-the-art infrastructure to investigate the chemical diversity, biochemical interactions, and biological roles of plant and fungal natural products, with an emphasis on specialized metabolites, signalling molecules and relevant molecular networks of functional gene and protein regulation (https://www.ipb-halle.de).

The position is located in the department BPI (Biochemistry of Plant Interactions) and the Program Center for Plant Metabolomics and Computational Biochemistry (MetaCom: https://www.ipb-halle.de/en/research/program-center-metacom/).

Application and information:

For further information, please contact Dr Henriette Uthe, phone: 0345 5582-1700, e-mail: henriette.uthe(at)ipb-halle.de.

Please submit a single pdf document including your curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation,a list of your publications, and contact details for at least 2 referees quoting reference number 16/2025 until August 30th, 2025 to bewerbungen(at)ipb-halle.de.

At the time of recruitment (TV-L-EntgeltO protocol declaration no. 1 paragraph 4), a fee-based equivalence check must be submitted for a foreign degree: https://www.kmk.org/zab/zentralstelle-fuer-auslaendisches-bildungswesen.html.

Diversity, family and equal opportunities:

The Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry has set itself the goal of equal opportunities, diversity and the promotion of work-life balance and has been awarded the ‘Total E-Quality’ award for this. The IPB is also a member of the nationwide corporate network ‘Success Factor Family’ and the Diversity Charter.

Applications from disabled persons or applicants with equivalent status are expressly welcome.

Further information on family friendliness, equal opportunities and diversity can be found at: https://www.ipb-halle.de/institut/

Data protection:

Please note the data protection information for applicants (m/f/d) in accordance with Art. 13 and 14 GDPR on data processing in the application process at the following link