The research group Assimilate Allocation and NMR (https://www.ipk-gatersleben.de/forschung/molekulare-genetik/assimilat-allokation-und-nmr) applies modern techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), metabolomics and transcriptomics to study allocation and distribution of assimilate and metabolites in plants with special emphasis on seeds. 

Yield in cereals largely depends on grain filling. However, the transcriptional regulation of this process remains is not fully understood due to the complexity of crop plants as models for molecular and imaging studies. This DFG-supported project aims to investigate how a grain-specific transcription factor regulates grain filling in barley. By combining state-of-the-art molecular, metabolic and in vivo MRI techniques, we seek to uncover its mechanism of action. 

Your tasks:

• Identify target genes for the transcription factor in barley grains through ChIP-seq analysis.
• Confirm candidate target genes using EMSA, trans-activation assay and other relevant methods.
• Generate genetic constructs and vectors.
• Develop and analyze transgenic plants.
• Analyze differential gene expression using RNA-seq.
• Integrate experimental data to develop a mechanistic model of storage accumulation in developing barley grains.
• Present and publish scientific findings.

Your qualifications and skills:

• You hold a MSc degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, crop science or related field.
• Practical experience in protein chemistry (protein isolation, western blotting) is strongly desirable.
• You have experience in molecular biological, biochemical, and/or microscopic techniques.
• You have proficiency in data analysis and statistical software packages.
• You have problem solving skills.
• You own the ability to conduct independent scientific research and collaborate in an interdisciplinary research environment.

You fit to us:

• If you enjoy working with plants and in an interdisciplinary team.
• If you have strong scientific curiosity and motivation.
• If you are able to work autonomously and in a team. 

We offer you:

• The opportunity to work in a world-class research center with state-of-the-art facilities and scientists from all over the world.
• A collegial working atmosphere.
• A 3-year PhD position starting as soon as possible, earliest by 01.05.2025.
• A gross salary up to 65% E13 TV-L.

If you need further information, please feel free to contact Dr. Volodymyr Radchuk Tel. +4939482 5 536 or PD Dr. Ljudmilla Borisjuk Tel. +4939482 5687.

What you need to know:

For us, your qualifications and strengths count. Therefore, everyone is welcome – independent of gender, origin, age, or disability. The IPK is striving to increase the proportion of women in sectors where they are underrepresented and, therefore, explicitly encourages qualified women to apply. Our institute has been certified for Career and Family (“berufundfamilie”), and we offer family-friendly working conditions and flexible working hours. The IPK has set a goal to employ more people with disabilities. Qualified applicants with a disability will be given preference.

Your application:

We are looking forward to receiving your online-application  by 15.04.2025.

If you have questions or require more information, please contact Kerstin Schweigert (jobs[at]ipk-gatersleben.de).

Please indicate the reference number 15/03/25 in your correspondence. 

Foreign qualifications must carry out an equivalence test in Germany, which is subject to a fee. This must be presented in the event of later hiring: https://zab.kmk.org/en/statement-comparability