Research in the Physiology and Cell Biology department is focused primarily on the physiological, cell-biological and molecular characterization of performance or stress resilience traits in crops, such as root architectural properties or nutrient efficiency. This research employs a wide range of technical platforms and analytical methods, including microscopy, transcriptomics, metabolomics and genetic engineering. We are looking for a new lead of our Research & Service group that is in charge of the light and electron microscopy platform and conducts own and collaborative research on structural and cell biological traits in crop species.

Your tasks:

• You run a platform of different microscopes, including CLSM, SEM and TEM
• You cooperate with other researchers inside (and outside) IPK and help developing solutions for tracking or visualizing structural traits
• You conduct independent and internationally competitive research
• You attract competitive extramural funding
• Your research interests support the research priorities of IPK
• You communicate your research in scientific journals, conferences and to the general public.

Your qualifications and skills:

• You have profound knowledge in plant anatomy, morphology and cell biology
• You have technical expertise and experience in microscopy
• You have experience in designing and establishing protocols for sample preparation
• You hold a PhD in Plant Biology, Genetics, Agricultural Sciences or related subjects
• You have demonstrated your international competitiveness by research publications and conference contributions.
• You are willing to develop further skills in STEM or 3D-electron tomography.

You fit to us:

• If internationally competitive research is your ambition and interest
• If you are competent in leading and motivating a team
• If you are excited about supervision of students/ early career scientists/ technical staff
• If you have experience in interdisciplinary interaction and cooperation
• If you have demonstrated fundraising skills

We offer you:

• A competitive research environment and state-of-the-art research infrastructure
• A friendly and productive working atmosphere
• An immediately available tenure track position to be converted into a long-term status after a period limited according to § 2 (1) WissZeitVG, depending on qualifications and upon positive evaluation.
• A gross salary up to E14 TV-L.

If you need further information feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Nicolaus von Wirén Tel.: +49 (0) 39482 5220.

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 (including cover letter, description of future research agenda, CV, list of publications, certificates and degrees) (https://www.ipk-gatersleben.de/en/career/job-offers ) by 12.09.2026. If you have questions or require more information, please contact Kerstin Schweigert (jobs[at]ipk-gatersleben.de). Please indicate the reference number 27/06/26 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