The Leibniz Institute for Horticultural Sciences (IGZ) conducts excellent basic research in plant sciences with applications in horticulture focusing on vegetables and the use of plant diversity. The IGZ is a member of the Leibniz Association and is based in Grossbeeren. For further information, please visit our website: www.igzev.de.
The following position is available at the institute subject to approval by the funding organization from January 1, 2027, limited until December 31, 2030, in the research group 'Plant-Microbe Systems' within the BMFTR project 'Phytoprotect: PentaCross – Cross-Crop Research on Pentastiridius-Pathogen-Host Interactions in the SBR/Stolbur Complex':
Scientist (f/m/div) in Plant-Insect-Pathogen Interactions and Resistance Research
Reference number: 15/2026/2
The salary will be based on qualification and research experience according to the wage agreement TV-L, up to pay scale 13, full-time.
The 'PentaCross' research project investigates the reed glasswing cicada Pentastiridius leporinus as a native but invasive species in sugar beet, potato, and vegetable cropping systems, as well as the pathogens it transmits: Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus (SBR) and Candidatus Phytoplasma solani (Stolbur). The aim is to gain a better understanding of the vector's biology and the host plants' defence mechanisms, and to derive sustainable strategies for integrated pest management from this.
Tasks include
- planning, conducting, and evaluating greenhouse and laboratory experiments to characterize the interaction of P. leporinus with vegetable crops, such as carrots and beetroot
- establishment of insect cultures, as well as standardized rearing and synchronization of P. leporinus
- investigating the transmission of pathogens to various host plants
- assessment of plant phenotypes, disease symptoms, yield, and other physiological characteristics
- performing and supervising molecular biological analyses, in particular DNA extraction and qPCR for the quantification of pathogens
- processing and statistical analysis of extensive phenotypic and genotypic datasets as a basis for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify and characterize resistance markers
- integration of phenotypic, molecular, proteomic, and metabolomic data to elucidate resistance mechanisms
- documentation, interpretation, and presentation of results, as well as writing of publications and scientific reports
- independent communication and collaboration with the scientific institutions involved in the project and other partners from research, breeding industry, and farmers, as well as supervising technical assistants
Your profile
- a completed PhD in agricultural sciences, plant sciences, phytopathology, entomology, or a comparable discipline
- sound knowledge of, or a keen interest in, plant-insect-pathogen interactions
- experience in planning and carrying out biological experiments involving plants and insects
- good knowledge of molecular biology methods, in particular DNA extraction and qPCR
- proven experience in the quantitative recording and statistical analysis of biological data, e.g., using R
- proven experience in publishing research findings
- experience with GWAS, genotyping, bioinformatics, proteomics, or metabolomics would be an advantage
- a self-motivated, independent, and responsible approach to work, as well as strong organizational skills
- willingness to work with insect cultures and plant populations, and to carry out long-term experimental series
- an enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific communication
- very good written and spoken German and English
- willingness to undertake business travel; a class B driving licence (car) is therefore an advantage
We offer
- a diverse and exciting work environment involving experimental work in the greenhouse and laboratory, as well as the analysis and interpretation of complex biological datasets
- involvement in an interdisciplinary research project with national partners
- flexible and family-friendly working time models and the possibility of mobile working (up to 50% of working time)
- VBL Ost company pension scheme for public sector employees, as well as a collectively agreed annual bonus and 30 days' vacation per year
- subsidy for the company ticket for local public transport or for the Deutschlandticket
For questions, please contact: Dr. Katja Witzel (+49 33701 78-220; witzel@igzev.de).
We encourage a healthy work-life balance. The IGZ attaches great importance to equal opportunities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualifications. The IGZ embraces diversity in its workforce and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, belief, or ethnic origin.
Please send your complete application, including the contact details of two references and your earliest possible starting date, by e-mail to bewerbung@igzev.de as PDF file by October 26, 2026.