Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant Microbiome and Microbial Inheritance (m/f/d)

The Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB) is a pioneer and a driver of bioeconomy research. We create the scientific foundation to transform agricultural, food, industrial and energy systems into a sustainable bio-based circular economy. We develop and integrate techniques, processes and management strategies, effectively converging technologies to intelligently crosslink highly diverse bioeconomic production systems and to control them in a knowledge-based, adaptive and largely automated manner. We conduct research in dialogue with society, policymakers, industry and other stakeholders - knowledge-driven and application-inspired.

The following position is to be filled in the Department of Microbiome Biotechnology. We are seeking to fill the position as soon as possible:

Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant Microbiome and Microbial Inheritance (m/f/d)

Your responsibilities

• Investigate seed and reproductive microbiomes and their roles in plant health, microbial transmission, and microbiome assembly
• Explore ecological and evolutionary aspects of plant-microbe interactions and microbial inheritance
• Conduct microbiome analyses using amplicon, metagenomic, and ecological datasets
• Design and perform laboratory and greenhouse experiments related to plant-associated microbial communities
• Integrate microbiological, ecological, and bioinformatics approaches to study microbiome dynamics and function
• Contribute to scientific publications, project development, and funding proposals
• Collaborate within interdisciplinary national and international research networks
• Mentor junior researchers and students

Your qualification profile

• Experience in microbiome research, microbial ecology, or plant-microbe interactions
• Expertise in molecular microbiology and/or microbial genetics
• Experience with microbiome sequencing analyses, comparative genomics, or metagenomics
• Experience with cultivation-based microbiology and experimental system development
• Programming skills in R and/or Python and familiarity with bioinformatics workflows
• Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and communication with scientific and non-scientific stakeholders is desirable

We offer

• An interdisciplinary and international research environment at the forefront of plant microbiome science
• The opportunity to contribute to innovative research on microbial inheritance and sustainable agriculture
• Access to modern laboratory and bioinformatics infrastructure
• An attractive, research-intensive, and interdisciplinary working environment
• A varied position at the interface of science and practice
• Excellent infrastructure for scientific work
• Access to national and international networks for your scientific development
• Training and further education opportunities
• Family-friendly working conditions to promote work-life balance
• Participation in the VBB company ticket or Deutschlandticket
• A workplace at the edge of a picturesque landscape, easily accessible by bike or public transport

The full-time position (100 %) is initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of extension, depending on funding availability. Part-time employment is also possible if desired. Salary will be based on your qualifications and experience according to TV-L up to TV-L 13.

For further information, please contact Dr. Ahmed Abdelfattah (+49 331 5699-123) and
Prof. Gabriele Berg (+49 331 5699-108) or visit our website at www.atb-potsdam.de.

Have we piqued your interest? Then apply by 30.08.2026 with your cover letter, CV (without photo), and employment references and/or contact details of referees via our online application portal for this job posting (reference number 2026-MB-3) at https://www.atb-potsdam.de/en/career/vacancies. 

Applications received after the application deadline cannot be considered. We look forward to your application!

Interviews are expected to take place during the 38th calendar week 2026.

We are committed to equal opportunities. Applications from severely disabled candidates will be given preference if equally qualified.

By submitting your application, you agree that your documents may be stored for up to six months even in the case of an unsuccessful application. Further information on data protection can be found here:
https://www.atb-potsdam.de/en/data-protection-declaration-for-the-application-process.