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: www.igzev.de.

The following position is available at the institute subject to approval by the funding organization from January 1, 2027, limited until December 31, 2030, in the research group Plant-Microbe Systems within the BMFTR project Phytoprotect: PentaCross Cross-Crop Research on Pentastiridius-Pathogen-Host Interactions in the SBR/Stolbur Complex :

Scientist (f/m/div) in Plant-Insect-Pathogen Interactions and Resistance Research

Reference number: 15/2026/2

The salary will be based on qualification and research experience according to the wage agreement TV-L, up to pay scale 13, full-time.

The PentaCross research project investigates the reed glasswing cicada Pentastiridius leporinus as a native but invasive species in sugar beet, potato, and vegetable cropping systems, as well as the pathogens it transmits: Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus (SBR) and Candidatus Phytoplasma solani (Stolbur). The aim is to gain a better understanding of the vector s biology and the host plants defence mechanisms, and to derive sustainable strategies for integrated pest management from this.

Tasks include

planning, conducting, and evaluating greenhouse and laboratory experiments to characterize the interaction of P. leporinus with vegetable crops, such as carrots and beetroot
establishment of insect cultures, as well as standardized rearing and synchronization of P. leporinus
investigating the transmission of pathogens to various host plants
assessment of plant phenotypes, disease symptoms, yield, and other physiological characteristics
performing and supervising molecular biological analyses, in particular DNA extraction and qPCR for the quantification of pathogens
processing and statistical analysis of extensive phenotypic and genotypic datasets as a basis for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify and characterize resistance markers
integration of phenotypic, molecular, proteomic, and metabolomic data to elucidate resistance mechanisms
documentation, interpretation, and presentation of results, as well as writing of publications and scientific reports
independent communication and collaboration with the scientific institutions involved in the project and other partners from research, breeding industry, and farmers, as well as supervising technical assistants

Your profile

a completed PhD in agricultural sciences, plant sciences, phytopathology, entomology, or a comparable discipline
sound knowledge of, or a keen interest in, plant-insect-pathogen interactions
experience in planning and carrying out biological experiments involving plants and insects
good knowledge of molecular biology methods, in particular DNA extraction and qPCR
proven experience in the quantitative recording and statistical analysis of biological data, e.g., using R
proven experience in publishing research findings
experience with GWAS, genotyping, bioinformatics, proteomics, or metabolomics would be an advantage
a self-motivated, independent, and responsible approach to work, as well as strong organizational skills
willingness to work with insect cultures and plant populations, and to carry out long-term experimental series
an enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific communication
very good written and spoken German and English
willingness to undertake business travel; a class B driving licence (car) is therefore an advantage

We offer

a diverse and exciting work environment involving experimental work in the greenhouse and laboratory, as well as the analysis and interpretation of complex biological datasets
involvement in an interdisciplinary research project with national partners
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 Deutschlandticket

For questions, please contact: Dr. Katja Witzel (+49 33701 78-220; witzel@igzev.de).

We encourage a healthy work-life balance. The IGZ attaches great importance to equal opportunities. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualifications. The IGZ embraces diversity in its workforce and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, belief, or ethnic origin.

Please send your complete application, including the contact details of two references and your earliest possible starting date, by e-mail to bewerbung@igzev.de as PDF file

by October 26, 2026 .