Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) | Developmental Biology

Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research; Köln; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher in Developmental Biology to integrate single-cell and spatial approaches for understanding organ development and plant diversification. You will work with Director Miltos Tsiantis and contribute to organ shape development, cell fate switches, and the ERC AdG project CLONAL.

The position is initially for two years with strong prospects for extension, and requires high motivation, strong collaboration,

Qualifications

• PhD in biology or bioinformatics with 2024 onwards
• Expertise in molecular biology and single-cell approaches
• Experience in NGS data analysis
• CRISPR genome editing experience is an asset
• Programming in Python or R and familiarity with Linux
• Excellent English communication

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct and analyze experiments
• Generate high-throughput sequencing data from single cells
• Collaborate effectively within the lab and with the director

Skills

Molecular biology

Single-cell sequencing

NGS data analysis

English communication

Programming (Python/R)

Linux/shell scripting

Collaborative teamwork

Education

PhD in biology or bioinformatics

Tools

CRISPR genome editing

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) | Developmental Biology Scientist

Köln

Plant Research

Job Offer from October 29, 2026

The Department of Comparative Development and Genetics at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne is seeking a Postdoctoral 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 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; Kierzkowski, 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

Our Offer

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.