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

Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzengenetik und Kulturpflanzenforschung IPK

06466 Seeland

Bewerbungsfrist: 2026-07-22

Overview

The Network Analysis and Modelling group investigates how genetic variation shapes gene regulation, protein function, and observable plant traits.
Using deep learning and network analysis, we aim to enhance crop performance through the discovery and annotation of regulatory variants that can guide breeding and gene-editing approaches.
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team within the BMFTR-funded project Twin – A Digital Discovery Platform for Cereal Genetic Resources, to infer the cereal pan-regulome and its functional variation in wheat and barley.

Design, train and interpret deep-learning models to infer regulatory sequence features across barley and wheat genomes.
Integrate genome assemblies, WGS variant calls and large-scale RNA-seq data.
Quantify the functional impact of regulatory sequence variation (SNPs, indels, SVs) and integrate the results with GWAS and trait data.
Contribute to the open RegulomeAtlas resource, exposing results through REST and BrAPI-compatible APIs.
Collaborate closely with project partners, supervise MSc/PhD students and contribute to new grant proposals.

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; familiarity with cis-regulatory elements, gene regulation or pan-genomics is an advantage.
Confident use of HPC environments, version control and FAIR principles.
Excellent English communication skills and a strong publication record.

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

Complete online application (letter of motivation, CV, certificates) as a single pdf-document until 22.07.2026 at https://www.ipk-gatersleben.de/en/career/job-offers.
Please indicate the reference number 28/06/26 in your correspondence.
For questions, contact Kerstin Schweigert (jobs@ipk-gatersleben.de).
Foreign qualifications must carry out an equivalence test in Germany if applicable.

The IPK is an equal opportunity employer and supports family-friendly working conditions.