Technical assistant (m/f/d) (16/2026)

Your area of responsibility Research topic: Plant immunity Plant pathogens secrete small molecules in their host to manipulate cellular processes and cause disease. Plants are not defenseless, however, and have evolved a wide variety of immune receptors to sense these pathogen-associated molecules and subsequently trigger an immune response to restrict pathogen infection. In the Molecular Plant Immunity research group, we investigate the molecular basis of effector recognition and immune receptor activation, and how evolutionary forces shape these processes. We then leverage this knowledge to develop strategies for sustainable disease resistance in crops. Your tasks:

• Independent execution of molecular biology laboratory tasks

• Microbiological work with bacteria and fungi under sterile conditions

• Organization and maintenance of standardized workflows in the laboratory

• Plant husbandry

• Support lab members in their experiments

• Documenting experimental procedures and results

Your profile

• Completed training as a Biological technical assistant or equivalent

• Independent and solution-oriented work ethic

• Enthusiasm for teamwork

• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity

• Desirable knowledge and skills include:

• Good English language skills (written and spoken)

• Experience in microbiology and molecular biology work

• Experience in handling biosafety S1 organisms

Please apply with a cover letter and your CV containing the contact details of two referees and by the 7th of December 2026. If you have any questions, please contact Clemence Marchal (clemence.marchal@ipb-halle.de).

We offer

• 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/).

Dr. Clemence Marchal
Research Associate
Telefon: 0345 55821440
clemence.marchal@ipb-halle.de

Leibniz-Institut für Pflanzenbiochemie (IPB)
Weinberg 3
06120 Halle (Saale)