The independent research group Biotechnology and Genome Editing is dedicated to the development and establishment of the latest methodological approaches in plant biotechnology, both for basic and application-orientated research. The aim is to make the genetic diversity of crop plants easier to investigate in research and utilise in breeding. A particular focus is on precise methods of genome editing. 

The aim of the BMBF-funded project PROGRESS is to establish a novel approach for the precise exchange of individual bases in the genome and to generally increase the efficiency of genome editing approaches based on CRISPR-associated endonucleases. Particularly, this PhD position is about the engineering of the gRNA as one crucial component for specific and efficient editing of the genetic target of choice.

Your tasks:

• Engineering of the gRNA to enhance the efficiency of genome editing.
• Generate genetic constructs and vectors.
• Conduct genome editing experiments on the plant cell and whole plant level.
• Develop and analyze transgenic plants.
• Integrate experimental data to develop enhanced approaches of Cas-mediated genome editing technologies.
• Present and publish scientific findings.

Your qualifications and skills:

• You hold a MSc degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, crop science or a related field.
• Practical experience in molecular biology is strongly desirable.
• You have experience in molecular biological and/ or biochemical techniques, esp. cloning and PCR.
• Basics in bioinformatics and genome editing are of advantage.
• You have problem solving skills.
• You own the ability to conduct independent scientific research and collaborate in an interdisciplinary research environment.

You fit to us:

• If you enjoy working with plants and in an interdisciplinary team.
• If you have strong scientific curiosity and motivation.
• If you are able to work autonomously and in a team. 

We offer you:

• The opportunity to work in a world-class research center with state-of-the-art facilities and scientists from all over the world.
• A collegial working atmosphere.
• A PhD position for 3 years, starting earliest by 15.06.2025
• A gross salary up to 65% E13 TV-L.

If you need further information, please feel free to contact Dr. Robert Hoffie, Tel: 039482 5528 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 (http://www.ipk-gatersleben.de/en/job-offers/) by 26.05.2025.  If you have questions or require more information, please contact Kerstin Schweigert (jobs[at]ipk-gatersleben.de). Please indicate the reference number 25/04/25 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 later hiring: https://zab.kmk.org/en/statement-comparability