The Molecular Plant Nutrition research group investigates the transport and metabolism of minerals and their role in physiological and morphological adaptations of plants to stress or agricultural production conditions. In frame of the EU-funded project “Fertigo” we are investigating the action and efficacy of biological nitrification inhibitors in cover crops on the conversion of ammonium to nitrate in agricultural soils. Focus is set on the biochemical identification and analytical quantification of biological nitrification inhibitors in root exudates and rhizosphere soil samples and on the use of certain cover crop species as companion crops in field trials with maize.

Your tasks:

• Planning, plant and soil sampling and scientific evaluation of data from field trials in cooperation with a field station.
• Establishment of biochemical/enzymatic tests for nitrification inhibition and P mobilization of root extracts/exudates.
• Analysis of mineral elements and metabolites by MS.
• Gene expression analyses by qPCR.
• Coordination and share of team work in field trials and screening approaches.

Your qualifications and skills:

• You hold a doctorate degree/Ph.D. in biological, microbiology or agricultural sciences or closely related fields.
• You have knowledge of methods/analyses in microbiology, molecular genetics, physiology and cell biology, in particular qPCR, bioanalyzer and DNA/RNA analysis.
• You own expertise in the processing of large data sets using bioinformatics.
• You have a very good command of English (both spoken and written).

You fit to us:

• If you have a strong interest in plant physiology.
• If you have a strong scientific curiosity and motivation.
• If you are able to work autonomously and in a team. 

We offer you:

• A working environment with a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities.
• 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 project-based position starting 1. May 2025, limited for 2 years.
• A gross salary up to 100 % E13 TV-L.

If you need further information, please feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Nicolaus von Wirén Tel.: +49 (0) 39482 5602 directly.

What you need to know:
For us, your qualifications and strengths count. Therefore, everyone – independent from gender, origin, age, or possible disability – is welcome. The IPK is striving to increase the proportion of womenin sectors where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages qualified women to apply. As an institution which has been awarded the Certificate for Career and Family (“berufundfamilie”), 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 (http://www.ipk-gatersleben.de/en/job-offers/) by 11.04.2025.
If you have questions or require more information, please contact Kerstin Schweigert (jobs[at]ipk-gatersleben.de). Please indicate the reference number 16/03/25 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