PhD position in biology (m/f/d) (24/2025)

Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry; Halle (Saale); Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institution in plant biochemistry is seeking a candidate for a role focusing on the design and application of molecular tools for precise genome editing in plants. Ideal candidates will have a degree in biology or biochemistry and skills in molecular techniques. The position offers modern working conditions, career development opportunities, and a supportive team environment. This role aims to advance scalable biotechnology in the field of plant science, promoting a balance between work and life.

Leistungen

Comprehensive introduction to work techniques

Access to specialized training opportunities

Annual bonus and pension scheme

Flexible working models and remote options

30 days of annual leave

Qualifikationen

• Open mindset and enthusiasm for teamwork.
• Ability to work independently and solution-oriented.
• Experience in molecular and plant work is beneficial.

Aufgaben

• Design and test synthetic tools for plant factors.
• Apply the Bindcraft pipeline for peptide binder design.
• Conduct inhibitor screening via expression in plant lines.
• Use inhibitors in stable gene editing approaches.
• Publish and present scientific data.

Kenntnisse

Independent work ethic

Teamwork

Scientific enthusiasm

Very good English

Ausbildung

Diploma or master’s degree in biology, biochemistry or related field

Tools

CRISPR-systems

Molecular techniques

Bioinformatics

Jobbeschreibung

Your area of responsibility

Our Team develops synthetic and programmable tools for precision genome editing, transcriptome modulation, and sensor-based reporters. Our expertise spans RNA-guided nucleases, TALE architectures, Argonaute proteins, and emerging RNA-guided systems, which we apply to uncover fundamental principles of protein–nucleic acid interactions and translate them into robust biotechnological applications. We also focus on DNA double‑strand break repair and the development of transient, transgene‑free delivery strategies to enable precise, HDR‑based genome engineering in plants. By integrating synthetic biology, genome repair engineering, and advanced nucleic‑acid tool development, we aim to advance scalable and sustainable biotechnology in plants and other eukaryotic systems.

Who we are

We are a non‑university research institution of the Leibniz Association on the Weinberg Campus of the Martin Luther University Halle‑Wittenberg, supervised by the state of Saxony‑Anhalt. Our four scientific departments, independent junior research groups, and department administration (≈200 employees, ≈40 PhD students) work together to understand the bio‑chemical basis of plant resilience and performance in challenging environments related to climate change. State‑of‑the‑art infrastructure and a focus on small natural molecules in plants and fungi enable cutting‑edge research in functional gene and protein regulation. For more information, visit https://www.ipb-halle.de/en/.

Research topic

Precise genome editing in plants holds strong potential for plant breeding and basic research. Tools like CRISPR‑Cas9 excel at gene knockouts but struggle with precise genome modifications via homologous recombination. Precise genome editing relies on homology‑directed repair (HDR), which is underutilised due to the dominance of DNA end‑joining (EJ) pathways, specifically classical (cNHEJ) and alternative (aNHEJ) mechanisms. These end‑joining mechanisms are also required for stable integration of Agrobacterium‑delivered T‑DNAs into plant genomes, the established method for plant genome editing which brings unwanted stable integration of foreign genetic material (transgenes). The goal of this project is to develop and apply efficient molecular tools to modulate undesired plant internal DNA‑EJ processes to increase the frequency of precise HDR‑based genome editing events during plant transformation. Modulation of DNA‑EJ processes will also reduce or even prevent unwanted stable integration of T‑DNAs, enabling transgene‑free precise genome editing in plants. The long‑term goal is to establish precise and transgene‑free genome editing in higher plants as a routine method.

Your tasks

• Design, clone and test synthetic tools, tailored for plant factors involved in EJ‑processes
• Establish and apply the Bindcraft pipeline for the de novo design of peptide binders
• Inhibitor screening via transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana reporter lines
• Inhibitor application in stable gene editing approaches using Arabidopsis thaliana reporter lines
• Presentation and publication of scientific data

Your profile

• Diploma or master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field
• Open mindset and enthusiasm for scientific work and teamwork
• Independent and solution‑oriented work ethic
• Very good English language skills (written and spoken)
• Ability to work in a multicultural, multi‑ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
• Desirable knowledge and skills include:
  • Understanding of the principles that define DNA, RNA, protein structures, functions, dynamics and interactions
  • Experience in molecular and plant work (cloning, CRISPR‑systems, transient and stable plant transformations)
  • Background in bioinformatics

We offer

• Modern working conditions: comprehensive introduction to work techniques and a modern research environment with state‑of‑the‑art equipment and up‑to‑date software
• Career development: targeted training opportunities and access to a specialised library with electronic resources and quiet workspaces
• Compensation & security: classification according to TV‑L including annual bonus, pension scheme (VBL), health offers, and discounted canteen meals
• Ideal working environment: a varied and inspiring workplace in an international setting at a leading scientific and innovation hub
• Team spirit and leadership culture: an open culture that strengthens teamwork, enables career networking, and promotes your research skills
• Work‑life balance: flexible working models, remote work options, and 30 days of annual leave – for a balanced work‑life experience

About Us

The Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB) is a non‑university research institution of the Leibniz Association on the Weinberg Campus of the Martin Luther University Halle‑Wittenberg. As a foundation under public law, the IPB is under direct supervision of the state of Saxony‑Anhalt. The IPB offers excellent research facilities and state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure to investigate the chemical diversity, biochemical interactions, and biological roles of small natural molecules in plants and fungi, with an emphasis on specialized metabolites, chemical mediators, and relevant molecular networks of functional gene and protein regulation.

Contact

Dr. Tom Schreiber
Academic Researcher
Telefon: [phone]‑1533
[e-mail]
Leibniz‑Institut für Pflanzenbiochemie (IPB)
Weinberg 3, 06120 Halle (Saale)