Postdoc (m/f/div) in Molecular Biology – Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research

The group of Korbinian Schneeberger, located at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne, Germany, has opened a postdoc position for a molecular biologist starting from May 2022 (or later) for an initial period of two years.

The Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research is surrounded by a beautiful farmland in the northwest of Cologne. The institute is supported by a wide range of service facilities including the Max Planck Genome Centre. The “Genome Plasticity and Computational Genetics” group managed by Korbinian Schneeberger is focused on plant genomics specifically on the development of computational and biotechnological methods for the analysis of genome sequences. Current projects include genetic experiments and the establishment of computational methods for the analysis of multidimensional genome data to study the natural diversity of mutations and recombination.

We are searching for highly motivated applicants with a PhD in molecular biology or a similar field. Applicants should have a profound knowledge in molecular plant biology such as:

• PhD in plant biology
• Proficient in DNA / RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis
• Hands-on experiences in standard PCR, RT-PCR, real-time PCR, primer design, gene sequence data analysis
• Highly proficient in spoken and written English

We are particularly looking for open-minded, creative, self-motivated and critical-minded candidates who like to work in an international team.

Genomic changes are one of the major contributors to phenotypic variation. New technologies allow us to analyze which of the changes and to what degree these changes influence phenotypes and thereby drive evolution. The constantly evolving technologies of next-generation sequencing now allow us to decipher genomic changes at highest resolution and thereby help to bridging the gap between genotypes and phenotypes.

Our group analyzes genomic changes on various different levels, we compare species, populations, artificial crosses, and even the genomic differences within individuals. We do this using latest single cell genomic technologies to get insights into the somatic dynamics of genomic changes (including somatic recombination and mutation rates).

The projects include the established of genetic experiments and technologies for the analysis of single-cell genome different to study the natural diversity of mutations and recombination.

We are a multi-disciplinary group including bioinformaticians, biologists, and biotechnologists (schneebergerlab.org). Our approach to science is curiosity-driven, and is closely aligned to our interests in new genomic technologies. Scientific support comes from a wide range of facilities (genomics, microscopy, high-performance compute clusters) and lab technicians.

Payment and benefits are based on German TVöD Bund.

The Max-Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are under­represented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Have we raised your interest? Please submit your application through our online system. In case of questions, please directly e-mail Korbinian Schneeberger (schneeberger@mpipz.mpg.de).