Group Leader (f/m/d) in the field of “Structural Cell Biology”

Group Leader (f/m/d) in the field of “Structural Cell Biology” The IPK is one of the world’s leading international institutions in the field of plant genetics and crop science. Its research program and services contribute significantly to conserving, exploring and exploiting crop diversity , addressing the global challenge of ensuring an efficient and sustainable supply of food, energy and raw materials. Research in the Physiology and Cell Biology department focuses on the physiological, cell-biological and molecular characterization of performance or stress resilience traits in crops, such as root architectural properties or nutrient efficiency. This research employs a wide range of technical platforms and analytical methods, including microscopy, transcriptomics, metabolomics and genetic engineering . We are seeking a new lead for our Research & Service group , responsible for the light and electron microscopy platform and conducting independent and collaborative research on structural and cell biological traits in crop species . Your tasks You run a platform of different microscopes, including CLSM, SEM and TEM You cooperate with other researchers inside and outside the IPK to develop solutions for tracking or visualizing structural traits You conduct independent and internationally competitive research You attract competitive extramural funding Your research supports the priorities of the IPK You communicate your research in scientific journals, conferences and to the general public Your qualifications and skills Profound knowledge in plant anatomy, morphology and cell biology Technical expertise and experience in microscopy Experience in designing and establishing protocols for sample preparation A PhD in Plant Biology, Genetics, Agricultural Sciences or related subjects Demonstrated international competitiveness through research publications and conference contributions Willingness to develop further skills in STEM or 3D-electron tomography You fit to us if Internationally competitive research is your ambition and interest You are competent in leading and motivating a team You are excited about supervising students, early career scientists and technical staff You have experience in interdisciplinary interaction and cooperation You have demonstrated fundraising skills We offer you A competitive research environment and state-of-the-art research infrastructure A friendly and productive working atmosphere An immediately available tenure track position , to be converted into a long-term status after a period limited according to § 2 (1) WissZeitVG , depending on qualifications and upon positive evaluation A gross salary up to E14 TV-L For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Nicolaus von Wirén , Tel.: 49 (0) 39482 5220 . What you need to know For us, your qualifications and strengths count – everyone is welcome, independent of gender, origin, age or disability. The IPK strives to increase the proportion of women in underrepresented sectors and explicitly encourages qualified women to apply. Our institute is certified for Career and Family (“berufundfamilie”) and offers family-friendly working conditions and flexible working hours . The IPK aims to employ more people with disabilities ; qualified applicants with a disability will be given preference. Your application We look forward to receiving your online application (including cover letter, description of future research agenda, CV, list of publications, certificates and degrees ) via https://www.ipk-gatersleben.de/en/career/job-offers by September 12th, 2026 . For questions, contact Kerstin Schweigert (jobs[at]ipk-gatersleben.de). Please indicate the reference number 27/06/26 in your correspondence. Foreign qualifications require an equivalence test in Germany (subject to a fee), to be presented upon hiring: https://zab.kmk.org/en/statement-comparability . Online Application