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

The research group Calcium-dependent Protein Kinases at the IPB is seeking applications for the position as

Research associate in AI-guided barley adaptation to rising temperatures (m/f/d) (03/2026)

Salary group E13 TV-L, full-time 100 % (part-time is possible), to be filled immediately.

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

Your profile:

• university PhD in biochemistry, biology, or a related discipline
• experience in plant (phospho-)proteomics and metabolomics
• expertise in recombinant expression and purification of plant proteins
• strong interest in crop stress resilience and AI-guided protein design
• excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills
• high level of English language proficiency
• strong motivation to conduct scientific projects in an international and interdisciplinary team

Our benefits:

• excellent working conditions in an international environment
• flexible and family-friendly working hours and possibility of home-office
• offer of professional training courses and measures for skill improvement
• compensation according to TV-L (including annual special payment)
• contribution to your company pension plan (VBL)
• on-site opportunities for health promotion

How to apply and further information:

We are looking forward to receiving your online application Research associate in AI-guided barley adaptation to rising temperatures (m/f/d) (3/2026) | Application portal

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Tina Romeis, Tel.: +49 (0) 345 5582-1400, e-mail: Tina.Romeis(at)ipb-halle.de or Dr. Lennart Wirthmüller, Tel.: +49 (0)345 5582-1430, email: Lennart.Wirthmueller(at)ipb-halle.de.

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.

Application deadline April 22, 2026.

Diversity, family and equal opportunities: 

The IPB aspires to the goal of equal opportunity, diversity, and the promotion of work-life balance as it was awarded the certificate "Total E-Quality". In addition, the IPB is a member of the nationwide company network "Success Factor Family" and of the “Diversity Charter” (Charta der Vielfalt). 

Applications from disabled persons or applicants with equivalent status are expressly welcome.

Further information can be found at: https://www.ipb-halle.de/en/institute/