PhD in Agricultural Sciences at Leibniz-Institute for Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (Germany)

Key details

• Host institution: Leibniz-Institute for Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research
• Location: Leibniz-Institute for Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Corrensstraße 3, Stadt Seeland OT Gatersleben, Germany
• Application deadline: May 15, 2026

Funding

Not funded by a EU programme

Funding level (from listing): partial or not via EU framework — confirm on the official call.

How to apply

• Apply by email to [email protected] (subject line and attachments per the official instructions).
• Full vacancy text and updates: Euraxess listing.

About the position

Join the “Meiosis” research group at the IPK in the framework of the collaborative BMFTR-funded project “MZF: TWIN-3”. Our team is interested in the process of plant meiosis that generates genetic variation harnessed in plant breeding.

PhD Research Topic

Natural Meiotic Recombination Variation to Accelerate Barley Breeding

Objectives

Exploit natural genetic variation in meiotic recombination to overcome breeding barriers in barley. The project combines in silico analyses, molecular cytogenetics, single‑pollen nucleus genotyping, and genetic mapping to unlock natural genetic diversity from wild relatives and improve barley resilience and breeding efficiency.

Your Tasks

• In silico allele mining: Screen natural genetic variation in meiosis-related genes using genomic datasets, predict structural impacts with tools like AlphaFold, and identify candidates for experimental validation.
• Molecular cytogenetics: Conduct chromosome analysis, immunolocalization and high-resolution microscopy (3D-SIM, PALM) to characterize meiotic phenotypes, and use single-pollen nucleus genotyping to quantify crossover rates.
• Genetic mapping: Evaluate meiotic variants in segregating populations to assess their impact on hybrid and interspecific crossover rates to inform breeding strategies.

Your Qualifications and Skills

You hold a MSc degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, crop science or a related field at the PhD start.

Practical experience in chromosome and molecular biology as well as working with plants is strongly desirable.

You Fit to Us If

• You are fascinated by chromosome biology and have a strong interest in molecular biology and microscopy.
• You have a strong scientific curiosity and motivation.
• You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team.
• 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 earliest by 01.07.2026.
• A gross salary up to 65% E13 TV-L.

If you need further information, feel free to contact Dr. Stefan Heckmann Tel.: +49 (0) 39482 5608 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 25.05.2026. If you have questions or require more information, please contact Kerstin Schweigert ([email protected]). Please indicate the reference number 15/03/26 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