The Department of Comparative Development and Genetics at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ) in Cologne is seeking a

Postdoctoral Researcher, Developmental Biology (m/f/d)

to integrate single-cell and spatial experimental approaches for the purpose of understanding organ development and the diversification of plants. The candidate will interact closely with the Director Prof. Dr. Miltos Tsiantis and members of his group, and be integrated in the lab’s activities on organ shape development and diversity, and cell fate switches, including the ERC AdG project CLONAL. For comparative development projects of the lab see Popoli et al., PNAS 122:e2515732122, 2025; Hu, Wilson-Sanchez et al., PNAS 121:e2321877121, 2024; Li et al., Current Biology 34:541-556, 2024; Kierzkowski, Runions et al., Cell 177(6):1405-1418, 2019. Tasks will involve designing, conducting and analysing experiments, generating high throughput sequencing data from single cell and associated approaches. Outstanding teamwork and communication skills, as well as a willingness and ability to work collaboratively towards common goals, are essential. This position would suit creative, highly motivated individuals with single cell expertise who are interested in applying these skills to understand the genetic basis for morphological diversity.

Your profile

The basic qualifications for the outlined position are:

• PhD degree in biology or bioinformatics, graduated 2024 onwards
• Strong expertise in molecular biology, single cell approaches
• Strong expertise in next-generation sequence data analysis
• Expertise in genetic validation of single cell data is an asset e. g. using CRISPR genome editing.
• Proficiency in at least one mainstream programming language (Python/R) and familiarity with Linux, shell-scripting, and general use of genomic tools and datasets
• Excellent communication skills in English (spoken and written)
• Ability to work in a structured way and a strong commitment to reproducibility in research
• Ability to assimilate, apply, and improve on the latest relevant developments in the field
• High-quality publications that provide evidence for the skill-set outlined above
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to work harmoniously as part of a group and engage in collaboration

The position will be initially for two years, with excellent possibilities of extension and it is subject to the German regulations for the duration of scientific training.

Applications in English can be sent through the online system, by latest January 4^th, 2027 as a single PDF file and should include a short letter of motivation explaining how the applicant’s profile and aspirations fit with the job requirements as discussed above, a list of publications, and the names and contact details of two academic referees. The first evaluation of applications will take place January 4^th, 2027. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Max Planck Society is one of the leading research organizations in Europe. We offer challenging tasks with a high degree of personal responsibility and creative freedom in research laboratories, workshops, libraries and administration.

The Max Planck Society strives to increase employment of severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled people are expressly encouraged.

Furthermore, the Max Planck Society wants to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply.

The Little Pumpkins Parents' Association offers childcare for children under the age of 3 at the MPIPZ.

It is possible to apply for a low-cost Germany job ticket with a subsidy from the Institute. The institute also has a rental bike station run by the provider nextbike, as well as the possibility of using rental scooters from various providers.

Interested candidates, please upload your complete application documents, including your preferred starting date.

Have we sparked your interest?

Please apply. We are looking forward to getting your complete application documents.

Website: www.mpipz.mpg.de