Join the Resources Genetics and Reproduction group at the IPK in the frame of the collaborative BMFTR-funded project “MZF: Twin-3”. Our team, led by Dr. Anna Backhaus, explores how plant genetic diversity can be safeguarded, regenerated and explored for the benefit of society and nature. 

Postdoctoral Research Topic: Genebank phenomics and genomics for future barley conservation and use.

Objectives: Use state-of-the-art "digital twin" resources to explore the possibilities of seed optical and multispectral imaging in active genebank management. The aim is to explore how the latest developments in seed phenomics and big data analysis can be leveraged in a genebank setting. Each seed in our collection needs to be selected for viability, seed health, and genotype sorted. Combining state of the art genomic with phenomic data will aid more precise collection management and open the door to novel user access to the collection.

Your tasks:

• Manage field trials and associated phenotypic data collection
• Lead the develop of novel high-throughput phenotyping approaches for seeds
• Analyze independently large data sets from diverse sources
• Generate new biological insights in the field of barley genetics
• Develop and publish your own research ideas

Your qualifications and skills:

• You hold a PhD in a relevant science (plant biology, genomics, phenomics).
• You have a theoretical background in phenomics and/or genomics.
• You are experienced with data analysis tasks, ideally in the field of image analysis.
• You have an affinity to command-line based bioinformatic data analysis.
• You enjoy working in and coordinating with a diverse team of colleagues.

You fit to us:

• if you are passionate about biology, especially plant diversity.
• if you are curious, self-motivated and -organized.
• if you are a team player and have initiative.
• if you have solid oral and written English skills.

We offer you:

• the opportunity to work in a world-class research center with state-of-the-art facilities and a globally unique genebank collection.
• a collegial working atmosphere.
• a full-time position with 40 hours per week starting from January 2027, limited for 2 years according to § 2 WissZeitVG
• a gross salary up to 100% E13 TV-L.

If you need further information, please feel free to contact Dr.Anna Backhaus Tel.: +49 (0) 39482 5202 directly.

What you need to know:
For us, your qualifications and strengths count. Therefore, everyone – independent from gender, origin, age, or possible disability – is welcome. The IPK is striving to increase the proportion of women in sectors where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages qualified women to apply. As an institution which has been awarded the Certificate for Career and Family (“berufundfamilie”), we offer family-friendly working conditions and flexible workinghours. 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 receive your complete online-application (letter of motivation, CV, certificates) as one single pdf-document until 01.10.2026. (https://www.ipk-gatersleben.de/en/career/job-offers). If you have questions or require more information, please contact Kerstin Schweigert (jobs[at]ipk-gatersleben.de). Please indicate the reference number 34/08/26 in your correspondence. Please note that incomplete application documents cannot be considered. Foreign qualifications must carry out an equivalence test in Germany, which is subject to a fee. This must be presented in the event of later hiring: https://zab.kmk.org/en/statement-comparability