The Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) in Gatersleben and the Heinrich Heine University (HHU) in Düsseldorf, within the framework of CEPLAS (the Cluster for Excellence on Plant Sciences), jointly call for applications for a
W2-Professorship
in Root-Microbiome Interactions
to be filled as soon as possible.
We are seeking an engaged and team-minded scientist with high international visibility in the field of root-microbiome interactions. We are interested in candidates who investigate the fundamental principles and mechanisms that govern the attraction, colonization and proliferation of microbial communities and mediate their beneficial impacts on agricultural crops. Research restricted to specific plant pathosystems (including those involving roots) will not be considered. The research program should incorporate genetic, genomic, cell biological and/or physiological approaches. The candidate’s previous research should be documented by outstanding publications and experience in securing extramural funding in the research area specified above.
Using plant genetic resources from IPK’s gene bank in combination with genomic, bioinformatic, analytical and molecular biological methods, the successful candidate is expected to develop innovative approaches to enhance our understanding of the formation and optimization of beneficial interactions between roots and rhizosphere microorganisms. Applicants should possess a strong background in the molecular-taxonomic identification of microorganismal groups. This research will generate knowledge to support future crop improvement to diverse management systems, soil and climate conditions. The planned research program should be internationally competitive and combine basic research with applied practice, in accordance with the Leibniz Association’s principle of “theoria cum praxi”.
The candidate should have an interdisciplinary approach and a willingness to cooperate across disciplines. The successful applicant is expected to engage in research cooperations within CEPLAS and across universities, research institutions and the breeding industry at the national and international level. In particular, a high level of commitment to intensifying the collaboration between CEPLAS and IPK within the framework of the Cluster of Excellence’s goals is expected.
The position is located at IPK, where the candidate will lead a research group on root-microbiome interactions. The candidate will contribute to teaching (2 SWS) at the Heinrich-Heine University in Düsseldorf at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Applicants should have excellent communication skills in English. If the successful candidate does not yet speak German, a willingness to become proficient within two years is expected.
Conditions for employment are, in addition to the general administrative conditions in accordance with §36 of the North Rhine-Westphalia University Law, an aptitude for teaching, exceptional competence in research, and additional scientific achievements. Applications from researchers abroad are expressly encouraged. The IPK and HHU are equal opportunity and family-friendly employers and strive for gender equality and excellence through diversity. Applications from people of all genders are expressly welcome. Applications from women will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act. The application of severely disabled persons and persons with equivalent disabilities is also welcome. In order for a severe disability or equality to be taken into account, please provide evidence of this with suitable documents.
Please submit your application in digital form with the usual documents: (1) letter of motivation, (2) curriculum vitae incl. publication list (please highlight 5 selected publications), (3) tabular list and proof of competitively acquired third-party funding (including scholarships), (4) copies of academic certificates, (5) statement of research interests including an outlook of future research (max. 2 pages), (6) statement of teaching and supervision experience (max. 1 page), (7) contact information for at least three references in the HHU appointment portal at https://berufungsportal.hhu.de and complete the requested information as fully as possible.
About CEPLAS
The Cluster of Excellence for Plant Sciences CEPLAS is a joint initiative of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU), the University of Cologne (UoC), the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research Cologne (MPIPZ), Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) and the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben. CEPLAS develops innovative strategies for sustainable plant production and promotes innovative training programs for early career researchers. Detailed information about CEPLAS is available at www.ceplas.eu.
Closing date for applications: 02.12.2026.
Requirements
- Research Field: Other
- Education Level: PhD or equivalent
- Languages: English (Good), German (Basic)