Postdoctoral Researcher / Senior Scientist in the field of plant single-cell and spatial transcriptomics

Forschungszentrum Jülich is seeking an ambitious plant biologist with single-cell and/or spatial omics expertise to join the group of Björn Usadel at the institute IBG-4. The role involves developing and optimizing single-cell RNA sequencing in plants, co-developing spatial transcriptomics protocols, and designing experiments on plant stress responses and metabolic pathways.

• Develop and optimize single-cell / single-nucleus RNA sequencing in plants
• Co-develop spatial transcriptomics protocols and analyses with collaborators in CEPLAS
• Design and run experiments on plant stress responses, metabolic pathways or plant-plant interactions
• Publish and present your results
• Develop your own grant proposals, with support from the group and the institute

• Hands-on experimental experience working with plants
• Master and PhD in plant biology, molecular biology, genomics or a closely related field
• Experience with single-cell or single-nucleus RNA sequencing
• Experience with spatial platforms is a plus
• Experience with bioinformatics pipelines for omics data (e.g. Seurat, Scanpy)
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams
• Excellent written and spoken English

• Excellent infrastructure: ONT Promethion and 10x instruments, access to dedicated high performance computing
• Strong network: embedding in the CEPLAS cluster of excellence and close ties to HHU Düsseldorf, in the middle of one of Europe's densest plant-science regions
• Meaningful tasks: A varied and central role in an international, interdisciplinary environment
• Vacation: 30 days of vacation plus additional days off (e.g. between Christmas and New Year’s)
• Flexibility: Flexible working time models, including options close to full-time, to tailor your working hours to your needs
• Knowledge & further training: Targeted, individual support for your professional development
• Successful start: Structured onboarding, Welcome Days, and a Welcome Guide to help you settle in quickly
• Fair remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and the tasks assigned, you will be classified in pay grade 13-14 of the TVöD-Bund (Collective Agreement for the Public Service). Information on the TVöD-Bund can be found on the BMI website
• Career Development: The position is initially limited to 2 years, with a clear perspective for extension up to 5–6 years, subject to mutual fit, scientific progress and the applicable fixed-term regulations. We actively support candidates aiming for scientific independence in developing their own research line and applying for major personal funding, such as a DFG Emmy Noether grant, ERC Starting Grant, Helmholtz Young Investigator Group or comparable schemes. Securing such funding can further strengthen the independence of the position and may allow the role, responsibilities and remuneration to be adapted accordingly.
• Additional benefits: A company pension scheme with employer contribution and an annual special payment under the collective agreement. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement amounting to 75%
• Fixed term: The position is initially limited to 2 years but can be extended up to 6 years
• Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started