Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) in the field of Machine Learning in Plant Genomics

The Network Analysis and Modelling group investigates how genetic variation shapes gene regulation, protein function, and, ultimately, observable plant traits. Using machine learning and network analysis, we aim to enhance crop performance through the discovery and annotation of gene variants that can guide breeding and gene-editing approaches.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team to work on machine learning-supported rapeseed genomics and breeding.

Your tasks:

• You design, train and interpret deep-learning models to predict regulatory gene variants in rapeseed genomes.
• You integrate large-scale sequence and RNA-seq data from internal and public resources.
• You build a reference library of predictive regulatory motifs.
• You use network analysis and random-forest approaches to identify transcription-factor master regulators and derive targets for gene editing / TILLING.
• You integrate multi-omics data to identify genotype-phenotype associations.
• You ensure FAIR data management, collaborate closely with geneticists, breeders and industry partners and publish your results in high-impact journals.
• You supervise MSc/PhD students and contribute to new grant proposals.

Your qualifications and skills:

• You hold a PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics or a related field.
• You bring proven expertise in deep learning and statistical modelling of biological data.
• You have experience with genomic data.
• You are confident use of HPC environments, version control and FAIR principles.
• You have excellent English communication skills and a strong publication record.

You fit to us:

• if you have strong interest in plant genomics and machine learning.
• if you have a strong scientific curiosity and motivation.
• if you are able to work autonomously and in a team. 

We offer you:

• a dynamic research environment and access to state-of-the-art facilities, with a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• an international, interdisciplinary team that values open communication and flat hierarchies.
• a collegial atmosphere that supports work–life balance and flexible working arrangements.
• a project-based position starting on 01.09.2025, limited for 3 years.
• A gross salary up to 100 % E13 TV-L.

If you need further information, please feel free to contact Dr. Jedrzej Jakub Szymanski Tel.: +49 39482 5-753 directly.

What you need to know:

For us, your qualifications and strengths count. Therefore, everyone – independent from gender, origin, age, or possible disability – is welcome. The IPK is striving to increase the proportion of women in sectors where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages qualified women to apply. As an institution which has been awarded the Certificate for Career and Family (“berufundfamilie”), we offer family-friendly working conditions and flexible working hours. The IPK has set a goal to employ more people with disabilities. Qualified applicants with a disability will be given preference.

Your application:

We are looking forward to receive your complete online-application (letter of motivation, CV, certificates) as one single pdf-document (https://www.ipk-gatersleben.de/en/career/job-offers ) until 25.07.2025. If you have questions or require more information, please do contact Kerstin Schweigert (jobs(at)ipk-gatersleben.de ). Please indicate the reference number 44/06/25 in your correspondence. Please note that incomplete application documents cannot be considered. Foreign qualifications must carry out an equivalence test in Germany, which is subject to a fee. This must be presented in the event of a later hiring: https://zab.kmk.org/en/statement-comparability