PhD Student (f/m/d)
Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzengenetik und Kulturpflanzenforschung IPK
06466 Seeland
Bewerbungsfrist: 2026-09-21
Overview
- Join the Molecular Plant Nutrition research group at the IPK in frame of the DFG-ISF joint project “UNLOCK”. Our research focuses on deciphering the nutrient-sensing mechanisms that regulate root development, nutrient uptake, and nutrient allocation.
- PhD Research Topic: Uncovering novel molecular players for nitrogen acquisition with a multi-targeted CRISPR approach.
- Objectives: Exploit the power of gene editing at the transcriptome scale to identify genes that regulate root system architecture and uptake mechanisms for efficient nitrogen capture.
Your tasks
- Phenotype the root system architecture and morphology of CRISPR/Cas9 mutants generated by our project partner using the Multi-Knock system.
- Explore the tissue- and cell type-specific expression patterns of prioritized high-impact genes and discover their functional hierarchy within nitrogen-responsive gene regulatory networks with transcriptomics and reverse genetics approaches.
- Establish how the newly identified genes regulate nitrogen uptake and nitrogen-dependent root development.
Your qualifications and skills
- You hold a MSc degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, plant science or a related field.
- Practical experience with cultivating plants under sterile conditions is required.
- Practical experience in plant genotyping, gene cloning and genome editing is strongly desirable.
- Fascination with plant nutrition and plant development; strong interest in molecular biology, phenotyping and microscopy; strong scientific curiosity and motivation; ability to work in an interdisciplinary team; solid oral and written English skills.
We offer you
- World-class research center with state-of-the-art facilities and international scientists.
- Collegial and collaborative working atmosphere.
- 3-year PhD position, starting earliest by 15.10.2026.
- Gross salary up to 65% E13 TV-L.
What you need to know
- 3-year PhD position, starting earliest by 15.10.2026.
- Location: IPK Gatersleben (on-site).
- IPK Career and Family certification; flexible working hours; commitment to diversity and disability inclusion.
Your application
- Online-application as a single pdf-file by 21.09.2026.
- Reference number 32/08/26 to be indicated in correspondence.
- Equivalence test for foreign qualifications may be required during hiring; see link for statement of comparability.
Contact
- Dr. Ricardo Giehl (Tel.: +49 (0) 39482 5293).
- Kerstin Schweigert (jobs@ipk-gatersleben.de).
Additional information
- IPK encourages qualified women to apply.
- Qualified applicants with a disability will be given preference.