Research associate in AI-guided barley adaptation to rising temperatures (m/f/d) (3/2026)

Your area of responsibility

Research topic:

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join the MADBARLEY project at IPB. In collaboration with the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK Gatersleben), the MADBARLEY project will identify and characterize central regulators of the thermo-tolerance signalling network in barley. The successful candidate will employ (phospho)-proteomics and metabolomics to identify barley signalling hubs that mediate the response to elevated temperature. Moreover, the successful candidate will use protein biochemistry, AI-guided protein design and molecular dynamics simulations to characterize natural and designed proteoforms of a novel regulatory node in barley temperature adaptation. The aim of this approach is to identify proteoforms that mitigate the adverse effects of elevated temperature on barley productivity in a changing climate.  

Your tasks:

• combined proteomics and metabolomics analyses of the elevated temperature response in barley
• biochemical characterization of a central signaling protein from barley by phospho-proteomics and recombinant protein expression  
• characterization of natural and designed proteoforms with the aim of identifying variants that mediate improved thermo-tolerance

The position is initially available for up to 28 months. Depending on the applicant’s individual professional experience or if part-time work is desired, the contract term may be adjusted and extended accordingly.

Our benefits

Modern Working Conditions
Comprehensive introduction to work techniques and a modern research environment with state-of-the-art equipment and up-to-date software

Career Development
Targeted training opportunities and access to a specialized library with electronic resources and quiet workspaces

Compensation & Security
Classification according to TV-L including annual bonus, pension scheme (VBL), health offers, and discounted canteen meals

Ideal Working Environment
A varied and inspiring workplace in an international setting at a leading scientific and innovation hub

Team Spirit and Leadership Culture
An open culture that strengthens teamwork, enables career networking, and promotes your research skills.

Work-Life Balance
Flexible working models, remote work options, and 30 days of annual leave – for a balanced work-life experience.

About us

The Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB) is a non-university research institution of the Leibniz Association on the Weinberg Campus of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. As a foundation under public law, the IPB is under direct supervision of the state of Saxony-Anhalt.

The IPB is an internationally recognized research institution and consists of four scientific Departments, additional independent junior research groups, and the Department Administration & Infrastructure (about 200 employees, including about 40 PhD students). Research at the IPB aims to understand the (bio)chemical basis of plant resilience and performance in challenging environments related to climate change. The IPB offers excellent research facilities and state-of-the-art infrastructure to investigate the chemical diversity, biochemical interactions, and biological roles of small natural molecules in plants and fungi, with an emphasis on specialized metabolites, chemical mediators, and relevant molecular networks of functional gene and protein regulation (https://www.ipb-halle.de/en/).

The Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry is committed to equal opportunities, diversity and promoting a healthy work-life balance, and has been awarded the "Total E-Quality" rating for its efforts in this area. The IPB is also a member of the nationwide "Success Factor Family" corporate network and the Diversity Charter. Applications from severely disabled persons or applicants of equivalent status are expressly welcome. Further information on family friendliness, equal opportunities and diversity can be found at: www.ipb-halle.de/institut