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

Max Planck Society; Köln; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne seeks a Postdoctoral researcher, Developmental Biology (m/f/d) to integrate single-cell and spatial approaches to understand organ development and plant diversification. You will work with the Director Miltos Tsiantis and contribute to the ERC AdG project CLONAL, collaborating across the lab on organ shape development and cell fate switches.

The role emphasizes designing, conducting and analyzing experiments, high-throughput

Qualifications

• PhD in biology or bioinformatics, graduated 2024 onwards.
• Strong expertise in molecular biology and single-cell approaches.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing data analysis; CRISPR genome editing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct and analyse experiments.
• Generate high-throughput sequencing data from single cells and related approaches.
• Collaborate with the director and lab team to advance organ development research.
• Communicate results effectively in English.

Skills

Single-cell sequencing

Molecular biology

NGS data analysis

Programming (Python/R)

English communication

Reproducible research

Collaborative mindset

Multitasking

Education

PhD in biology or bioinformatics

Tools

Python

R

Linux

Shell scripting

Job description

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

The Basic Qualifications For The Outlined Position Are

• 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.