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Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research

PhD Student (f/m/d) in Molecular Plant Nutrition and Nitrogen Acquisition Leibniz Institute for Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research in Germany

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Molecular Biology

Funding

Available

Deadline

Sep 21, 2026

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Country

Germany

University

Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research

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Keywords

Molecular Biology
Chemistry
Biology
Microscopy
Genome Editing
Plant Nutrition
Plant Biochemistry
Rna-seq
Root Development
Plant Growth
Transcriptomic

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About this position

PhD Student (f/m/d) position at the Leibniz Institute for Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) in Germany, in the Molecular Plant Nutrition research group, within the DFG-ISF joint project UNLOCK.

The project focuses on deciphering nutrient-sensing mechanisms that regulate root development, nutrient uptake, and nutrient allocation. The PhD topic is Uncovering novel molecular players for nitrogen acquisition with a multi-targeted CRISPR approach.

You will work on identifying genes that regulate root system architecture and uptake mechanisms for efficient nitrogen capture. The research combines large-scale CRISPR library generation using the Multi-Knock system, multi-level root phenotyping, tissue- and cell type-specific expression analysis, RNA sequencing, transcriptomics, reverse genetics, and nitrogen uptake assays.

Key tasks include phenotyping CRISPR/Cas9 mutants, investigating expression patterns of prioritized genes, exploring their hierarchy in nitrogen-responsive gene regulatory networks, and establishing how newly identified genes regulate nitrogen uptake and nitrogen-dependent root development.

This is a 3-year PhD position starting earliest on 15 October 2026, with a gross salary up to 65% of E13 TV-L. The position is based at IPK in Gatersleben, Germany.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a MSc degree or equivalent in biology, biochemistry, plant science, or a related field. Practical experience with plants under sterile conditions is required. Experience in plant genotyping, gene cloning, and genome editing is strongly desirable. Solid oral and written English skills are expected.

To apply, submit your online application as one single PDF via the IPK job portal by 21 September 2026. Please quote reference number 32/08/26. For questions, contact Dr. Ricardo Giehl or [email protected].

Foreign qualifications require an equivalence statement in Germany for later hiring. The institute emphasizes a collegial, collaborative environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and family-friendly working conditions.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants should hold a MSc degree or equivalent in biology, biochemistry, plant science or a related field. Practical experience with cultivating plants under sterile conditions is required. Practical experience in plant genotyping, gene cloning and genome editing is strongly desirable. Solid oral and written English skills are required.

How to apply

Submit your online application as a single PDF file via the IPK jobs portal. Apply by 2026-09-21 and include reference number 32/08/26 in correspondence. For questions, contact Kerstin Schweigert at [email protected].

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