Postdoctoral Researcher (f, m, div.) in the Field of Microbial Ecology and Bioinformatics

The Leibniz Institute for Horticultural Sciences (IGZ) conducts excellent basic research in plant sciences with applications in horticulture focusing on vegetables and the use of plant diversity. The IGZ is a member of the Leibniz Association and is based in Grossbeeren. For further information, please visit our website: .

The following position is available at the institute from February 1, 2027 for a fixed term of two years in the research group ‘Plant-Microbe Systems’:

Postdoctoral Researcher (f, m, div.) in the Field of Microbial Ecology and Bioinformatics

Reference number: 17/2026/2

The salary will be based on qualification and research experience according to the wage agreement TV-L, up to pay scale 13, full-time. This position is suitable for part-time work.

The research group Plant-Microbe Systems studies the interactions between plants, their associated microbiomes, and the environment, combining molecular, bioinformatic and field-based approaches to identify microbiome-informed strategies for sustainable, climate-resilient crop production. This position combines hands-on molecular laboratory work with bioinformatic data processing, advanced statistical modelling, and field-based sampling across the group's projects.

Tasks include:

• performing microbiological and molecular laboratory work on environmental and plant-associated samples (e.g. cultivation, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, library preparation for amplicon/metabarcoding sequencing)
• bioinformatic processing and quality control of sequencing data (e.g. amplicon/metabarcoding pipelines)
• developing and applying advanced statistical models for the analysis of microbiome, ecological, and experimental datasets
• conducting basic field sampling activities (e.g. soil, plant, and rhizosphere samples) in support of the group's field experiments
• writing R-based scripts and workflows for data processing, statistical analysis, and visualisation
• co-supervising Bachelor's and Master's students
• writing scientific publications in peer-reviewed international journals and presenting results at conferences

Your profile:

• a completed PhD in microbial ecology, bioinformatics, or a related natural science field
• hands-on experience with molecular laboratory techniques (cultivation, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, sequencing library preparation)
• strong bioinformatics skills, including experience processing and analysing high-throughput sequencing data (e.g. amplicon/metabarcoding pipelines such as dada2 or QIIME)
• advanced programming skills in R, including for data wrangling, visualisation, and reproducible workflows
• advanced competence in statistical modelling and analysis (e.g. mixed-effects models, multivariate statistics)
• willingness and ability to carry out basic field work
• fluent English language skills; knowledge of German is an advantage
• an open, flexible and positive person who can work in a team but is also able to take the initiative
• willingness to attend business trips, therefore a Class B driver's license (car) is an advantage

We offer:

• an attractive workplace at a modern research institute for horticultural sciences
• a committed and competent team and a challenging job that combines molecular, bioinformatic, statistical and field-based plant science research
• flexible and family-friendly working time models and the possibility of mobile working (up to 50% of working time)
• VBL Ost company pension scheme for public sector employees, as well as a collectively agreed annual bonus and 30 days' vacation per year
• subsidy for the company ticket for local public transport or for the Deutschland-Ticket

For questions, please contact: Dr. Stephanie Jurburg (jurburg@igzev.de).

We support the reconciliation of work, family and caring responsibilities and are committed to equal opportunities and diversity. Applicants with disabilities are given preference where equally qualified. We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, beliefs, or ethnic or social background.

Please send your complete application, including a motivation letter, your CV, academic certificates, the contact details of two references and your earliest possible starting date by e-mail to bewerbung@igzev.de in a PDF document by November 24, 2026.