The Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne is inviting applications for a 5-year junior group leader position (m/f/d) in the field of plant genetics, with the possibility of extension.

About us

The institute is a major site in Europe committed to basic research in plant science. The working language is English. The department of Chromosome Biology, headed by Raphael Mercier, opened in 2019. Four teams focus on diverse aspects of genome biology, with complementary aims and approaches (Molecular Mechanisms of Meiosis, Evolution of Meiosis, Polyploidy & Adaption, Genome Plasticity & Computational Genetics).The Department of Chromosome Biology is seeking a junior group leader to establish an independent research team with complementary interests to those of existing groups.

Your profile

The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in relevant fields and typically be at the transition point from postdoctoral research to academic independence. Applicants should demonstrate the potential to develop an innovative and internationally competitive research program. We welcome applications from individuals working in any discipline related to chromosome biology, broadly defined. The primary criteria for selection are scientific excellence and complementarity with ongoing research in the department.

Our offer

The successful applicant is expected to establish their research group in 2025 or 2026. The group will receive support from the Institute’s core budget, including funding for a postdoc, a student and running costs. She/He is also expected to apply for external funding (e.g. DFG, ERC). The group will benefit from a stimulating scientific environment and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, including extensive plant growth facilities, in-house sequencing and computational resources, a phenotyping robot, as well as confocal and super-resolution microscopy platforms. The salary will be according to German civil service conditions (TVöD Bund) and includes social security benefits.

Your application

Candidates should send their curriculum vitae including a full list of publications, names of three referees, list of up to three selected articles, and a ~2-3 page resume of current and future research interests through the online system.

The call is open until the end of October, but application are encouraged to be submitted before and will be reviewed as soon as they are received.