The Plant Reproductive Biology laboratory is primarily working on the establishment and application of principles and methods of transgenesis and genome editing. The overarching objective of the research work is to contribute to improving the performance and product quality of crops. 

Your tasks:

• validation and optimization of a novel method of genetic transformation using current canola cultivars
• development of dicot-compatible gRNA and Cas endonuclease modules tailored for the CasCADE vector system, enabling sophisticated genome editing applications
• transient expression-based validation of novel genome editing vectors at the cellular level, followed by deep-sequencing of amplified genomic target regions for efficiency assessment
• targeted modification of candidate genes involved in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stress for their functional validation
• application of the CasCADE vector system in a case study aimed at improving plant performance in canola, including identification, selection, and in silico analysis of appropriate candidate genes
• active cooperation in a network of colleagues from IPK and various other research institutions
• presentation of results at scientific events and preparation of project reports and scientific publications

Your qualifications and skills:

• You hold a Master’s or diploma degree in biology, plant science, molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics, or a related field.
• Practical experience in plant transformation and molecular cloning is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with sequencing-based analyses and bioinformatics tools is of advantage.
• You have very good written and spoken English skills.

You fit to us:

• if you combine scientific enthusiasm, commitment, reliability, and diligence.
• if you work in a focused, largely independent, and well-organized manner.
• if you are able to reconcile your personal goals with the common interests of a team.

We offer you:

• an interdisciplinary research environment in which own ideas and initiatives are very welcome.
• supportive supervision.
• the opportunity to contribute to conference presentations and publications.
• a 3-year doctoral student position with a salary up to 65% E13 TV-L.

If you need further information feel free to contact Dr. Jochen Kumlehn Tel.: +49 (0) 39482 5361.

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/) by 04.07.2025.  If you have questions or require more information, please contact Kerstin Schweigert (jobs[at]ipk-gatersleben.de). Please indicate the reference number 41/06/25 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