Group Leader (f/m/d) in the field of “Structural Cell Biology” Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK)
Conserving – Exploring – Exploiting
The IPK is one of the world’s leading international institutions in the field of plant genetics and crop science. Its research program and services contribute significantly to conserving, exploring and exploiting crop diversity. Its research goals are driven by the need to ensure an efficient and sustainable supply of food, energy and raw materials, Thereby addressing a major global ecological challenge.
Group Leader (f/m/d)
in the field of “Structural Cell Biology”
Research in the Physiology and Cell Biology department is focused primarily on the physiological, cell-biological and molecular characterization of performance or stress resilience traits in crops, such as root architectural properties or nutrient efficiency. This research employs a wide range of technical platforms and analytical methods, including microscopy, transcriptomics, metabolomics and genetic engineering. We are looking for a new lead of our Research & Service group that is in charge of the light and electron microscopy platform and conducts own and collaborative research on structural and cell biological traits in crop species.
Your tasks:
- You run a platform of different microscopes, including CLSM, SEM and TEM
- You cooperate with other researchers inside (and outside) IPK and help developing solutions for tracking or visualizing structural traits
- You conduct independent and internationally competitive research
- You attract competitive extramural funding
- Your research interests support the research priorities of IPK
- You communicate your research in scientific journals, conferences and to the general public
Your qualifications and skills:
- You have profound knowledge in plant anatomy, morphology and cell biology
- You have technical expertise and experience in microscopy
- You have experience in designing and establishing protocols for sample preparation
- You hold a PhD in Plant Biology, Genetics, Agricultural Sciences or related subjects
- You have demonstrated your international competitiveness by research publications and conference contributions
- You are willing to develop further skills in STEM or 3D-electron tomography
You fit to us
- If internationally competitive research is your ambition and interest
- If you are competent in leading and motivating a team
- If you are excited about supervision of students / early career scientists / technical staff
- If you have experience in interdisciplinary interaction and cooperation
- If you have demonstrated fundraising skills
We offer you:
- A competitive research environment and state-of-the-art research infrastructure
- A friendly and productive working atmosphere
- An immediately available tenure track position to be converted into a long-term status after a period limited according to § 2 (1) WissZeitVG, depending on qualifications and upon positive evaluation.
- A gross salary up to E14 TV-L.
If you need further information feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Nicolaus von Wirén, Tel.: +49 (0) 39482 5220.
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 (including cover letter, description of future research agenda, CV, list of publications, certificates and degrees) (https://www.ipk-gatersleben.de/en/career/job-offers) by September 12th, 2026. If you have questions or require more information, please contact Kerstin Schweigert (jobs[at]ipk-gatersleben.de). Please indicate the reference number 27/06/26 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 later hiring: https://zab.kmk.org/en/statement-comparability.
Reference number
27/06/26
Additional actions
About the employer
Leibniz-Gemeinschaft
About the Leibniz Association
The Leibniz Association connects 96 independent research institutions that range in focus from natural, engineering and environmental sciences to economics, spatial and social sciences and the humanities. Leibniz Institutes address issues of social, economic and ecological relevance.
They conduct basic and applied research, including in the interdisciplinary Leibniz Research Alliances, maintain scientific infrastructure, and provide research-based services. The Leibniz Association identifies focus areas for knowledge transfer, particularly with the Leibniz research museums. It advises and informs policymakers, science, industry and the general public.
Leibniz institutions collaborate intensively with universities – including in the form of Leibniz ScienceCampi – as well as with industry and other partners at home and abroad. They are subject to a transparent, independent evaluation procedure. Because of their importance for the country as a whole, the Leibniz Association Institutes are funded jointly by Germany’s central and regional governments.
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