PhD Student (f/m/d)

About the Project

The research group Genomics of Genetic Resources (GGR) research focus is on small grain cereal genome analysis including aspects of structural, comparative, epi- and translational genomics mainly in the context of pan-genome datasets of several domesticated and wild small grain cereal/grass species. Our group is part of the IPK Genebank Department, hence we take advantage on the vast crop diversity represented in IPK`s genebank.

Your tasks:

The project builds on our research on the awn roughness trait in barley. The project is addressing the following objectives:

• identify additional genetic factors controlling barb and trichome development in barley,
• investigate the pleiotropic effects of the two awn roughness genes Raw1 and Raw7 at the whole-plant level,
• understanding the roles of the genes Raw1 and Raw7 at a cellular level in spike meristems.

Your qualifications and skills:

• You hold an MSc. in plant biology or related fields with a strong background in plant developmental and molecular genetics, quantitative genetics or molecular biology.
• You are familiar with variant analysis workflows for QTL mapping, GWAS or linkage analysis.
• You have experience using the command line for bioinformatic data analysis (genomic and transcriptomic) (UNIX, LINUX, R, Python or similar).
• Experience with microscopy and/or histological techniques is an advantage.
• Excellent English skills (written and spoken) are strongly desirable.

You fit to us:

• if you are passionate about Plant Molecular/Developmental Biology and Genetics.
• if you are ready to take the next step in your career.
• if you are self-motivated and -organized.
• if you are a team player.

We offer you:

• a world-class infrastructure and international work environment.
• a 4-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 Prof. Dr. Nils Stein Tel.: +49 (0)39482 5522.

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 by 15.05.2026.If you have questions or require more information, please contact Kerstin Schweigert (jobs@ipk-gatersleben.de). Please indicate the reference number 14/03/26 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 a later hiring: https://zab.kmk.org/en/statement-comparability