Max Planck Society 
Köln, Germany Sintesi dell’opportunità
The Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne is hiring two full‑time Research Support Positions (m/f/d) for a one‑year contract, renewable. Candidates will assist in daily lab work on plant development and diversity, including cultivating and characterising mutant and transgenic Arabidopsis lines, performing molecular biology techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, cloning), and maintaining genetic collections. Essential skills are plant handling, molecular biology, and teamwork; experience with CRISPR/Cas, single‑cell methods, and lab software is a plus. Applicants must be fluent in English, have a B.Sc. in plant genetics or equivalent, and submit a CV, motivation letter, and referee contact by 20 Nov 2026.
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Descrizione del progetto
Two Research Support Positions (m/f/d)
Scientific and Technical Assistance Cologne Plant Research Job Offer from September 14, 2026
The Department of Comparative Development and Genetics at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ) in Cologne is seeking to fill two Research Support Positions (m/f/d) to contribute to our daily laboratory work on mechanisms underlying plant development and diversity.
The successful applicants will work in close collaboration with experienced research technicians and scientists at different levels and they will cultivate and characterize developmental traits in plant strains derived from mutagenesis and wild collections as well as transgenic plants. They will also be involved in the generation of new transgenic plants. Experience in molecular biology (genomic DNA extraction, PCR, cloning), and in handling and cultivating plants, as well as experience with plant genetics is essential. Experience working with Arabidopsis, including the generation of transgenic plants and CRISPR/Cas mutants, is a strong asset. Experience with single-cell approaches is also of interest. Additional tasks will involve maintaining lab genetic collections, preparing culture media and assisting in organizing and the daily running of an S1 lab. The level of independent work and responsibility will depend on qualifications.
Your profile
Successful candidates will have completed professional training as either a research technician with first professional experience, or as a biology graduate (B.Sc. in plant genetics or an equivalent discipline) with work experience or an additional educational qualification. We are searching for highly motivated candidates with an organized working style and highly developed teamwork skills. Applicants should be enthusiastic about scientific research in an international environment. Excellent documentation skills, computer literacy (Microsoft Office, Electronic lab book applications), as well as fluent English are required.
Our offer
We offer stimulating and multi-faceted positions (full-time employment) in a friendly and international environment. Payment and benefits are according to the German TVöD and will depend on experience, knowledge and qualifications. The positions are for one year, starting as early as possible and no later than February 2027, with the possibility of renewal.
Your application
Applications in English can be sent through the online system, by latest November 20th 2026 as a single PDF file and should include a short letter of motivation explaining how the applicant’s profile and aspirations fit with the job requirements, a brief CV, and the name and contact details of one referee. The first evaluation of applications will take place after the deadline. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
