Postdoctoral Fellowship: Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) in the field of Deep Learning for the cereal Gene Regulation

About the role

The Network Analysis and Modelling group at the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK Gatersleben) investigates how genetic variation shapes gene regulation, protein function, and observable plant traits. We combine deep learning with network analysis to enhance crop performance through discovery and annotation of regulatory variants that guide breeding and gene-editing strategies.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) to join the BMFTR-funded project Twin – A Digital Discovery Platform for Cereal Genetic Resources. The successful candidate will infer the cereal pan-regulome and its functional variation in wheat and barley.

Responsibilities

• Design, train, and interpret deep-learning models to infer regulatory sequence features across barley and wheat genomes.
• Integrate genome assemblies, whole-genome sequencing variant calls, and large-scale RNA-seq data.
• Quantify the functional impact of regulatory sequence variation (SNPs, indels, structural variants) and link results to GWAS and trait data.
• Contribute to the open RegulomeAtlas resource, exposing results through REST and BrAPI-compatible APIs.
• Ensure FAIR data management; collaborate closely with geneticists, breeders, and industry partners.
• Publish results in high-impact journals.
• Collaborate closely with project partners, supervise MSc/PhD students, and contribute to new grant proposals.

Requirements

Essential qualifications and skills

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in deep learning and statistical modelling of biological sequence data (e.g., genomic, regulatory, or transcriptomic data).
• Experience with genomic and transcriptomic (RNA-seq) data.
• Confident use of HPC environments, version control, and FAIR principles.
• Excellent English communication skills and a strong publication record.

Advantageous

• Familiarity with cis-regulatory elements, gene regulation, or pan-genomics.

Personal fit

• Strong interest in plant genomics, gene regulation, and deep learning.
• Strong scientific curiosity and motivation.
• Ability to work autonomously and in a team.

What we offer

• A dynamic research environment with state-of-the-art facilities and wide-ranging opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• An international, interdisciplinary team that values open communication and flat hierarchies.
• A collegial atmosphere supporting work–life balance and flexible working arrangements.
• A project-based position starting 1 September 2026, limited to 2 years.
• Gross salary up to 100% E13 TV-L.

IPK is an equal opportunity employer. Regardless of gender, origin, age, or possible disability, all qualified individuals are welcome. We explicitly encourage women to apply in areas where they are underrepresented. As a holder of the “berufundfamilie” certificate, we offer family-friendly working conditions. Qualified applicants with disabilities will be given preference.

How to apply

Please send your complete online application (letter of motivation, CV, certificates) as a single PDF document via the IPK job portal until 22 July 2026. Reference number: 28/06/26. Incomplete applications cannot be considered. Foreign qualifications must undergo an equivalence test in Germany (fee applies); this must be presented upon hiring.

For further information, contact Dr. Jedrzej Jakub Szymanski (Tel.: +49 39482 5-753) or Kerstin Schweigert (jobs[at]ipk-gatersleben.de).

Original vacancy