Postdoctoral Scientist

Overview

Join the Metabolic Diversity research group at the IPK in the frame of the collaborative BMFTR-funded project “MZF: Twin-3”. Our team, led by Dr. John D’Auria, explores how specialized metabolism and lineage-specific chemical defenses drive stress resilience in cereals.

Postdoctoral Research Topic

Genetic and Regulatory Basis of Hordatine Biosynthesis in Barley

Objectives

Use state-of-the‑art “digital twin” resources to dissect the pathways governing hordatine production. The project aims to link metabolic diversity to stress resilience by identifying causal genes and regulatory networks through integrated metabolomics and pan‑genomics.

Responsibilities

• Multi‑omics Discovery & GWAS: Combine LC‑MS untargeted profiling with GWAS and mediation analysis to establish causal links between genomic loci, gene expression, and hordatine variation.
• Functional Defense Analysis: Conduct pathogen assays (Scald and Powdery Mildew) to test the role of hordatines in quantitative disease resistance and evaluate potential fitness trade‑offs.
• Advanced Allele Mining: Mobilize the project’s 15,000‑accession variant matrix and Regulome Atlas to identify high‑impact alleles and regulatory determinants for breeding.
• Data Management & Dissemination: Handle the interpretation of large‑scale metabolic and genomic datasets and ensure findings are integrated into the Twin discovery platform. Present results at national and international scientific conferences and prepare high‑impact publications in peer‑reviewed journals.

Qualifications and Skills

• You hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, crop science, or a related field.
• Profound expertise in LC‑MS‑based untargeted metabolite profiling and statistical genomics (GWAS).
• Practical experience in studying molecular plant‑pathogen interactions, specifically focusing on fungal defense mechanisms.
• Documented track record of publications in relevant research areas (e.g., plant specialized metabolism, statistical genomics, or plant‑pathogen interactions).

Fit

• Fascinated by metabolic diversity and strong interest in plant specialized metabolism and chemical ecology.
• Interested in large‑scale data integration and the “digital twin” approach to cereal genomics.
• Strong scientific curiosity and motivation.
• Enjoy working in a highly interdisciplinary team of bioinformaticians and biologists.
• Solid oral and written English skills.

Benefits

Offering the opportunity to work in a world‑class research centre with state‑of‑the‑art facilities and scientists from all over the world. A collegial working atmosphere. A full‑time position with 40 hours per week starting on , limited for 2 years according to § 2 WissZeitVG. A gross salary up to 100% E13 TV‑L. If you need further information, feel free to contact Dr. John D’Auria Tel.: +49 (0) 39482 5‑176.

EEO Statement

For us, your qualifications and strengths count. Therefore, everyone – independent from gender, origin, age, or possible disability – is welcome. The IPK is striving to increase the proportion of women in sectors where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages qualified women to apply. As an institution which has been awarded the Certificate for Career and Family (“berufundfamilie”), 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.