Two Research Support Positions (m/f/d)

Max Planck Society; Köln; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne seeks two Research Support positions to contribute to daily lab work on plant development and diversity. You will work closely with technicians and scientists in a collaborative, international setting.

Ideal candidates have a biology degree or related professional training, with experience in molecular biology and plant handling. Strong documentation, English fluency, and team orientation are essential.

Qualifications

• Training as a research technician or biology graduate with relevant work experience.
• Strong motivation, organized workflow and excellent teamwork.
• Fluent English; documentation and computer literacy required.

Responsibilities

• Perform and support molecular biology tasks and plant handling.
• Cultivate and characterize developmental traits in plant strains.
• Assist in generation of transgenic plants and CRISPR/Cas mutants.
• Maintain lab genetic collections and organize daily lab operations.

Skills

Molecular biology

Plant genetics

Arabidopsis handling

CRISPR/Cas

Single-cell approaches

Lab teamwork

Documentation

Education

B.Sc. in plant genetics or equivalent

Tools

PCR

Cloning

Job description

Scientific and Technical Assistance Cologne

Plant Research

Job Offer from September 14, 2026

The Department of Comparative Development and Genetics at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ) in Cologne is seeking to fill two Research Support Positions (m/f/d) to contribute to our daily laboratory work on mechanisms underlying plant development and diversity.

The successful applicants will work in close collaboration with experienced research technicians and scientists at different levels and they will cultivate and characterize developmental traits in plant strains derived from mutagenesis and wild collections as well as transgenic plants. They will also be involved in the generation of new transgenic plants. Experience in molecular biology (genomic DNA extraction, PCR, cloning), and in handling and cultivating plants, as well as experience with plant genetics is essential. Experience working with Arabidopsis, including the generation of transgenic plants and CRISPR/Cas mutants, is a strong asset. Experience with single-cell approaches is also of interest. Additional tasks will involve maintaining lab genetic collections, preparing culture media and assisting in organizing and the daily running of an S1 lab. The level of independent work and responsibility will depend on qualifications.

Your profile

Successful candidates will have completed professional training as either a research technician with first professional experience, or as a biology graduate (B.Sc. in plant genetics or an equivalent discipline) with work experience or an additional educational qualification. We are searching for highly motivated candidates with an organized working style and highly developed teamwork skills. Applicants should be enthusiastic about scientific research in an international environment. Excellent documentation skills, computer literacy (Microsoft Office, Electronic lab book applications), as well as fluent English are required.

Our offer

We offer stimulating and multi-faceted positions (full-time employment) in a friendly and international environment. Payment and benefits are according to the German TVöD and will depend on experience, knowledge and qualifications. The positions are for one year, starting as early as possible and no later than February 2027, with the possibility of renewal.

Application deadline: November 20th 2026.