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IPK Germany PhD Position 2026 in Molecular Plant Nutrition
The Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, commonly known as IPK, is accepting applications for a three-year PhD position in its Molecular Plant Nutrition research group in Germany.
The doctoral researcher will work within the DFG-ISF joint project “UNLOCK.” The research focuses on identifying molecular mechanisms that influence root development, nutrient uptake and nutrient allocation in plants.
The official application deadline is 21 September 2026.
Research topic
“Uncovering novel molecular players for nitrogen acquisition with a multi-targeted CRISPR approach.”
The research will use gene editing and plant-phenotyping methods to identify genes involved in root-system architecture and efficient nitrogen uptake.
n- itrogen-uptake assays.
i- nvestigate tissue- and cell-specific expression patterns of selected genes;
Eligibility requirements
Practical experience cultivating plants under sterile conditions is a required qualification.
Experience in plant genotyping, gene cloning and genome editing is strongly desirable, although the advert does not describe these three skills as mandatory.
The advert does not list German-language proficiency as a requirement.
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Employment and salary**
IPK describes this as a three-year PhD position, with the earliest proposed start date of 15 October 2026.
Gross salary up to 65% of E13 under the German TV-L public-sector pay scale.
This is the reliable wording to publish. TripDoc should not convert this into an exact euro amount because the final gross salary can depend on the applicable TV-L table, experience classification and contractual assessment.
International applicants
The vacancy does not state a nationality restriction, and IPK says applicants are welcome regardless of origin.
However, this should not be interpreted as confirmed visa sponsorship. The advert does not promise:
TripDoc should therefore classify the position as international applicants potentially eligible, but not as visa sponsorship confirmed.
Applicants holding foreign qualifications should note that IPK says a German equivalence assessment must be presented if they are later hired. This assessment may involve a fee. It is not presented as an upfront application requirement.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through IPK’s online recruitment system as one PDF file.
32/08/26
The official page does not provide a complete document checklist. Candidates should follow the instructions displayed in the application portal and should not assume that a CV alone will be sufficient.
Application deadline
21 September 2026
The official advert does not specify a closing hour or time zone. Applicants should submit well before the final day.
