Within the Domestication Genomics group , the DFG-funded project Disentangling dysploidy and diversification in Crocus aims, in part, to understand karyotype evolution in several Crocus taxa. One important step towards understanding this evolutionary process is to determine whether intrapopulation karyotype variation occurs and, if so, at what frequency. Several individuals from ten different populations of Crocus vernus have been collected. The main aim of this part of the project is to compare karyotype data between individuals within the same population and between populations.

Your tasks:

Perform fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis on Crocus vernus from several populations using different repeat-based and chromosome painting probes.
Generate and compare karyograms and chromosome ideograms.
Analyze pollen sterility using Alexander staining and data from imaging flow cytometry.

Your qualifications and skills:

You are enrolled in a Master’s program in plant sciences, crop science, plant breeding, or a related field.
You are interested in molecular cytogenetics.
Experience in cytogenetics and knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator are desirable but not required.

You are a good fit if you:

Are eager to learn new laboratory techniques and develop your skills in molecular cytogenetics.
Enjoy working in a collaborative research environment.
Have a careful and systematic approach to experimental work and data analysis.

We offer you:

Hands-on training in molecular cytogenetics and chromosome analysis.
Opportunities to contribute to an ongoing research project and work closely with experienced scientists in an international research environment.
A paid student research assistant position with 75 hours per month, starting on 01.01.2027 and lasting until 30.09.2027.

If you need further information, feel free to contact Dr. Nomar Waminal Tel.: +49 (0) 39482 5386.

What you need to know:

For us, your qualifications and strengths count. Therefore, everyone is welcome – independent of gender, origin, age, or disability. The IPK is striving to increase the proportion of womenin sectors where they are underrepresented and, therefore, explicitly encourages qualified women to apply. Our institute has been certified for Career and Family (“berufundfamilie”), and we offer family-friendly working conditions and flexible working hours. The IPK has set a goal to employ more people with disabilities. Qualified applicants with a disability will be given preference.

Your application:

We are looking forward to receiving your online-application () by 20.11.2026. If you have questions or require more information, please contact Kerstin Schweigert ( jobs@ipk-gatersleben.de ). Please indicate the reference number 43/09/26 in your correspondence.

Student Research Assistant (f/m/d) for Crocus comparative cytogenetics

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