We are looking to recruit a

Scientist - Plant Single Cell / Spatial Analysis

titel

The Institute IBG-4 at Forschungszentrum Jülich is a key partner in the Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), one of Germany’s leading plant science research networks. The group of Prof. Dr. Björn Usadel focuses on the analysis, integration, and modeling of precise multi-omics data to improve plant stress resilience and optimize the production of health-promoting metabolites. Our research emphasizes high-value crops such as tomato, eggplant, tea, and faba bean. In this context, we invite applications for a Scientist to join our interdisciplinary team and contribute to a new project that combines single-cell and spatial transcriptomics with metabolomics to better understand gene regulatory networks and improve crop traits.

Application tips & FAQs
Information on the application process and an overview of FAQs can be found here

Your Job:

  • Development and optimization of single-cell RNA sequencing protocols (10x Genomics) in plant tissues
  • Co-development of spatial transcriptomics protocols with collaborators at CEPLAS - Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) and other international partners
  • Design and execution of experiments addressing plant stress responses and/or secondary metabolic pathways
  • Integration of single-cell and metabolomics data to elucidate regulatory networks
  • Dissemination of research results through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and internal reports


Your Profile:

  • PhD in Plant Biology, Molecular Biology, Genomics, or a closely related field
  • Demonstrated experience with RNA sequencing, ideally including single-cell RNA-seq
  • Familiarity with spatial transcriptomics and cutting-edge omics workflows is a strong asset
  • Previous experience working with plant systems is essential
  • Practical understanding of bioinformatics pipelines for omics data analysis (e.g., Seurat, Scanpy, Galaxy)
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams
  • Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken


Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

  • Excellent scientific and technical infrastructure
  • Possibility to participate in (international) conferences and project meetings
  • Continuous professional support by your scientific supervisor
  • Extensive further training offer
  • Flexible working hours in a full-time position (39 hours/week) with the option of slightly reduced working hours - https://go.fzj.de/near-full-time
  • A wide range of offers for combining work and family
  • 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
  • Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service


In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer:
https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We offer you an exciting and varied role in an international and interdisciplinary working environment. The position is for a fixed term of 2 years, with possible long-term prospects. Salary and social benefits will conform to the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund), pay group EG 13, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks assigned to them. All information about the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) can be found on the BMI website: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed The monthly salaries in euro can be found here: https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed.entgelt

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

Further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality

We look forward to receiving your application by 24.8.2025

Apply now

Contact form

If your questions have not yet been answered via our FAQs , please send us a message via our contact form.

Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications by e-mail.

Last Modified: 23.07.2025