Max Planck Society 
Köln, Germany Offer Summary
The Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne, Germany, is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Developmental Biology. This role focuses on integrating single-cell and spatial experimental approaches to understand plant organ development and diversification. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Director Miltos Tsiantis and contribute to projects such as the ERC AdG project CLONAL. Key responsibilities include designing experiments, conducting analyses, and generating high-throughput sequencing data. Applicants must hold a PhD in biology or bioinformatics obtained in 2024 or later, with strong expertise in molecular biology, single-cell methods, and next-generation sequence data analysis. Proficiency in programming languages like Python or R is required. The position offers an initial two-year contract subject to German regulations. Applications are due by January 4th, 2027.
Generated from stored offer content. Always confirm details in the official posting.
Project Description
Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) | Developmental Biology
Scientist Köln Plant Research Job Offer from October 29, 2026
The Department of Comparative Development and Genetics at the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne is seeking a Postdoctoral researcher, Developmental Biology (m/f/d) to integrate single-cell and spatial experimental approaches for the purpose of understanding organ development and the diversification of plants.
The candidate will interact closely with the Director Miltos Tsiantis and members of his group, and be integrated in the lab’s activities on organ shape development and diversity, and cell fate switches, including the ERC AdG project CLONAL. For comparative development projects of the lab see Popoli et al., PNAS 122:e2515732122, 2025; Hu, Wilson-Sanchez et al., PNAS 121:e2321877121, 2024; Li et al., Current Biology 34:541-556, 2024; Kierzkowski, Runions et al., Cell 177(6):1405-1418, 2019.
Tasks will involve designing, conducting and analysing experiments, generating high throughput sequencing data from single cell and associated approaches. Outstanding teamwork and communication skills, as well as a willingness and ability to work collaboratively towards common goals, are essential. This position would suit creative, highly motivated individuals with single cell expertise who are interested in applying these skills to understand the genetic basis for morphological diversity.
Your Profile
The basic qualifications for the outlined position are:
- PhD degree in biology or bioinformatics, graduated 2024 onwards
- Strong expertise in molecular biology, single cell approaches
- Strong expertise in next-generation sequence data analysis
- Expertise in genetic validation of single cell data is an asset e.g. using CRISPR genome editing.
- Proficiency in at least one mainstream programming language (Python/R) and familiarity with Linux, shell-scripting, and general use of genomic tools and datasets
- Excellent communication skills in English (spoken and written)
- Ability to work in a structured way and a strong commitment to reproducibility in research
- Ability to assimilate, apply, and improve on the latest relevant developments in the field
- High-quality publications that provide evidence for the skill-set outlined above
- Ability to multi-task
- Ability to work harmoniously as part of a group and engage in collaboration
Our Offer
The position will be initially for two years, with excellent possibilities of extension and it is subject to the German regulations for the duration of scientific training.
Your Application
Applications in English can be sent through the online system, by latest January 4th, 2027 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 as discussed above, a list of publications, and the names and contact details of two academic referees. The first evaluation of applications will take place January 4th, 2027. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
