PhD Student (f/m/d)

Overview

Research group Genomics of Genetic Resources (GGR) at the IPK Genebank Department focuses on small grain cereal genome analysis, including structural, comparative, epigenomic, and translational genomics, primarily using pan‑genome datasets of several domesticated and wild small grain cereal/grass species. The group benefits from the extensive crop diversity available in the IPK genebank.

Application Period

Bewerbungszeitraum: 15. April 2026 – 15. Mai 2026.

Referenznummer: 14/03/26.

Position

4‑year PhD position, starting earliest , gross salary up to 65 % of E13 TV‑L.

Responsibilities

• Identify additional genetic factors controlling barb and trichome development in barley.
• Investigate pleiotropic effects of the awn‑roughness genes Raw1 and Raw7 at whole‑plant level.
• Elucidate cellular roles of Raw1 and Raw7 in spike meristems.

Qualifications and Skills

• MSc in plant biology or a related field, with strong background in plant developmental and molecular genetics, quantitative genetics or molecular biology.
• Experience with variant‑analysis workflows for QTL mapping, GWAS, or linkage analysis.
• Proficient command‑line bioinformatics analysis using 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.

Desired Profile

• Passionate about Plant Molecular/Developmental Biology and Genetics.
• Ready to take the next step in your career.
• Self‑motivated and organised.
• Team player.

Benefits

• World‑class infrastructure and international work environment.
• 4‑year PhD position starting earliest .
• Gross salary up to 65 % of E13 TV‑L.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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. The institute is certified for Career and Family and offers 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.