Post-doctoral Researcher, Developmental Biology (m/f/d)

Max-Planck-Institut für Pflanzenzüchtungsforschung; Köln; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare for children under 3 at MPIP

Germany job ticket with subsidy

Rental bike station

Rental scooters

Job summary

The Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ) in Cologne seeks a Post-doctoral Researcher in Developmental Biology (m/f/d). The role focuses on integrating single-cell and spatial approaches to understand organ development and morphological diversity in plants.

You will work closely with the Director and lab team on projects including ERC AdG CLONAL, designing and analyzing experiments and generating high-throughput sequencing data from single-cell studies.

Qualifications

• PhD in biology or bioinformatics, completed 2024 or later.
• Strong expertise in molecular biology and single-cell approaches.
• Strong expertise in next-generation sequencing data analysis.
• Experience with genetic validation of single-cell data (CRISPR) is an asset.
• Proficiency in Python or R and familiarity with Linux and shell scripting.
• Excellent communication in English (spoken and written).
• Ability to work structured and ensure reproducibility in research.
• Ability to assimilate and apply latest developments in the field.
• High-quality publications evidencing the required skill-set.
• Ability to multi-task and collaborate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct and analyse experiments in developmental biology.
• Generate high-throughput sequencing data from single-cell and related approaches.
• Collaborate with the Director and lab group on organ development projects.
• Communicate results effectively within the lab and with collaborators.

Skills

Molecular biology

Single-cell approaches

NGS data analysis

Python/R

Linux / shell scripting

English communication

Reproducibility in research

Publications

Collaborative teamwork

Multi-tasking

Education

PhD in biology or bioinformatics

Tools

CRISPR genome editing

Linux

Genomic analysis pipelines

Data visualization tools

Job description

The Department of Comparative Development and Genetics at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ) in Cologne is seeking a Post-doctoral Researcher, Developmental Biology (m/f/d)

To integrate single-cell and spatial experimental approaches for the purpose of understanding organ development and the diversification of plants. The candidate will interact closely with the Director Prof. Dr. Miltos Tsiantis and members of his group, and be integrated in the lab’s activities on organ shape development and diversity, and cell fate switches, including the ERC AdG project CLONAL. For comparative development projects of the lab see Popoli et al., PNAS 122:e2515732122, 2025; Hu, Wilson-Sanchez et al., PNAS 121:e2321877121, 2024; Li et al., Current Biology 34:541-556, 2024; Kierzkow-ski, Runions et al., Cell 177(6):1405-1418, 2019. Tasks will involve designing, conducting and analysing experiments, generating high throughput sequencing data from single cell and associated approaches. Outstanding teamwork and communication skills, as well as a willingness and ability to work collaboratively towards common goals, are essential. This position would suit creative, highly motivated individuals with single cell expertise who are interested in applying these skills to understand the genetic basis for morphological diversity.

Your profile

• PhD degree in biology or bioinformatics, graduated 2024 onwards
• Strong expertise in molecular biology, single cell approaches
• Strong expertise in next-generation sequence data analysis
• Expertise in genetic validation of single cell data is an asset e.g. using CRISPR genome editing.
• Proficiency in at least one mainstream programming language (Python/R) and familiarity with Linux, shell-scripting, and general use of genomic tools and datasets
• Excellent communication skills in English (spoken and written)
• Ability to work in a structured way and a strong commitment to reproducibility in research
• Ability to assimilate, apply, and improve on the latest relevant developments in the field
• High-quality publications that provide evidence for the skill-set outlined above
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to work harmoniously as part of a group and engage in collaboration

The position will be initially for two years, with excellent possibilities of extension and it is subject to the German regulations for the duration of scientific training.

Employer overview and benefits

The Max Planck Society is one of the leading research organizations in Europe. We offer challenging tasks with a high degree of personal responsibility and creative freedom in research laboratories, workshops, libraries and administration.

The Max Planck Society strives to increase employment of severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled people are expressly encouraged.

Furthermore, the Max Planck Society wants to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply.

• The Little Pumpkins Parents' Association offers childcare for children under the age of 3 at the MPIPZ.
• It is possible to apply for a low-cost Germany job ticket with a subsidy from the Institute.
• The institute also has a rental bike station run by the provider nextbike.
• The possibility of using rental scooters from various providers.

Website: www.mpipz.mpg.de