Group Leader (f/m/d) in the field of “Structural Cell Biology”

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 , driven by the need to ensure an efficient and sustainable supply of food, energy and raw materials—thereby addressing a major global ecological challenge.

Research in the Physiology and Cell Biology department focuses 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 work employs a wide range of technical platforms and analytical methods , including microscopy, transcriptomics, metabolomics and genetic engineering.

We seek a new lead for our Research & Service group responsible for the light and electron microscopy platform , who will also conduct independent and collaborative research on structural and cell biological traits in crop species .

• You run a platform of different microscopes , including CLSM, SEM and TEM
• You cooperate with researchers inside and outside the IPK to develop solutions for tracking or visualizing structural traits
• You conduct independent and internationally competitive research
• You attract competitive extramural funding
• Your research aligns with the priorities of the IPK
• You communicate your findings in scientific journals, conferences and to the general public

• Profound knowledge in plant anatomy, morphology and cell biology
• Technical expertise and experience in microscopy
• Experience in designing and establishing protocols for sample preparation
• A PhD in Plant Biology, Genetics, Agricultural Sciences or related subjects
• Demonstrated international competitiveness through research publications and conference contributions
• Willingness to develop further skills in STEM or 3D-electron tomography

• Internationally competitive research is your ambition
• You are competent in leading and motivating a team
• You enjoy supervising students, early career scientists and technical staff
• You have experience in interdisciplinary interaction and cooperation
• You possess demonstrated fundraising skills

• A competitive research environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure
• A friendly and productive working atmosphere
• An immediately available tenure-track position , to be converted into a long-term status after evaluation according to § 2 (1) WissZeitVG
• A gross salary up to E14 TV-L

The IPK strives to increase the proportion of women in underrepresented sectors and explicitly encourages qualified women to apply . We are certified for Career and Family (“berufundfamilie”) and offer family-friendly working conditions and flexible hours . Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification. For us, qualifications and strengths count—everyone is welcome, independent of gender, origin, age or disability .

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