Job for Researchers: Research Associate in Potato Wart Disease – Julius Kühn-Institut, Germany

About the Position

The Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI) – Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants – invites applications for a Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche/r Mitarbeiter/in, f/m/d) at the Institute for Plant Protection in Field Crops and Grassland, site Kleinmachnow. This position is part of a third-party funded project limited to 12 months, with a part-time workload of 27.3 hours per week (TVöD-Ost, pay group E 13). The preferred starting date is 1 September 2026. The reference number is KM-A-WA-02-26.

Your Responsibilities

• Conduct scientific research on Synchytrium endobioticum, the causal agent of potato wart disease.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate experiments on the thermal decontamination of potato wart resting sporangia in biogas substrates.
• Plan, carry out, and evaluate an ex vitro biotest to assess the infectivity of resting sporangia.
• Design extraction procedures for resting sporangia from biogas substrates using wet-sieving or zonal centrifugation methods.
• Perform microscopic evaluation of resting sporangia vitality.
• Document and present project results in both German and English.
• Publish findings in national and international peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Your Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Completed university degree (at least Master’s level, university diploma, or equivalent) in biotechnology, agricultural sciences, biology, or a comparable natural science discipline; a completed PhD is desirable.
• Proven expertise and practical experience in phytomedicine and scientific experimental design.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent knowledge of microscopy techniques.
• Ability to work independently and scientifically.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, along with team spirit.
• Very good verbal and written command of both German and English.
• Valid driving licence (class B / III) and willingness to travel on business trips.

What We Offer

• A varied, challenging, and interesting role within a motivated team.
• Remuneration according to TVöD-Ost (pay group E 13), depending on qualifications and personal requirements.
• Part-time employment (27.3 hours per week) initially limited to 12 months, subject to final funding approval.
• Active promotion of professional equality, diversity, and an inclusive work environment.
• Preferential consideration of applicants with severe disabilities in the selection process.
• Support for work-life balance (certified “audit berufundfamilie” since 2021) with flexible working time models.
• Possibility to purchase the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket at a subsidised employee price of €23.28.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the online application system “Interamt” no later than 28 July 2026. Please include the reference number KM-A-WA-02-26 in your application. If you hold an international degree, attach a statement of comparability from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB). Should you be offered the position, you will be required to obtain this evaluation if not already available.

For further details about the position, please contact Anna Pucher (phone: +49 (0) 3946 47-6609, email: [email protected]).

Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Central Services, Erwin-Baur-Straße 27, 06484 Quedlinburg, Germany.

Original vacancy