The research group Assimilate Allocation and NMR applies advanced techniques, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging, metabolomics and transcriptomics, to investigate the allocation and distribution of assimilates and metabolites in plants, with a particular focus on seeds. Within the framework of a DFG-funded project, we will use non-invasive approaches to investigate the “hidden” architecture of barley grains in relation to storage compound accumulation and to identify and validate associated genetic loci and candidate genes.

Your tasks:

• identification and quantification of previously unexplored traits of inner grain structure in barley grown under low and high N fertilization using the MRI-Seed-Wizard tool (doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erae408)
• identification of QTLs controlling traits, related to the inner structure and storage accumulation of barley grains
• identification of putative candidate genes underlying the identified QTLs
• validation and selection of favorable alleles at the candidate genes responsible for improvement of grain size and inner structure

Your qualifications and skills:

• You hold a MSc degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, crop science or a related field.
• Practical experience in working with large plant populations and GWAS analysis is desired.
• You have proficiency in data analysis and statistical software packages.

You fit to us:

• if you have a strong scientific curiosity and motivation.
• if you are able to conduct independent scientific research and collaborate in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• if you have solid oral and written English skills.

We offer you:

• to work in a world-class research center with state-of-the-art facilities and scientists from all over the world.
• a collegial and collaborative working atmosphere.
• a 3-year PhD position, starting immediately.
• a gross salary up to 65% E13 TV-L.

If you need further information, feel free to contact Dr. Volodymyr Radchuk Tel.: +49 (0) 39482 5536 directly.

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 women in 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 as one single pdf-file (http://www.ipk-gatersleben.de/en/job-offers/) by 04.09.2026. If you have questions or require more information, please contact Kerstin Schweigert (jobs[at]ipk-gatersleben.de). Please indicate the reference number 35/08/26 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 later hiring: https://zab.kmk.org/en/statement-comparability