Job announcement for: Research Assistant (m/f/d) at Single Cell Genomics Platform as a substitute for maternity leave/parental leave Job description: We are looking for a single cell and genomics specialist with a proven track record in the use and maintenance of flow cytometer/cell sorter instrument who is interested in working at the genomics facility. The successful candidate will be responsible for Single Cell Platform operating within Max Planck Genome Centre at MPIPZ in Cologne.

Your responsibilities: • All aspects of flow cytometry sorter and analyzer operations, including quality control, maintenance and troubleshooting on an Aria Fusion cell sorter • Sample preparation, cell sorting and data analysis • Generation of single cell libraries with 10X Genomics, Singleron and BD Rhapsody platforms for ATAC, transcriptomics and multiomics assays • Quality control of cells and nuclei (e.g. microscopy, Luna cell counter) • User support and expert advice on experimental design, data analysis and interpretation of the results • Organization of logistical aspects of the service schedule

Your profile: • PhD in life sciences, preferably cell biology, plant cell biology, microbiology, genetics or similar. • Hands-on experience with flow cytometry and cell sorting • Knowledge of quantitative cell analysis and high-speed cell sorting including the analysis of flow cytometry data • Experience in single cell biology and generation of single cell libraries • Interest in latest genomics and transcriptomics technologies and their application • Experience in working with plant material is an advantage

In addition to your professional expertise and critical technical skills we are looking for candidates who:

• Are resourceful and flexible in problem solving, have excellent organizational
skills and are able to work independently
• Highly team-oriented, flexible, organized and adaptable
• Want to work in diverse, multicultural environment
• Have excellent communication and presentation skills with a high fluency in
English (German is an advantage)
• Are committed to adapt to the service-oriented nature of the facility and can
easily interact with facility users

Remuneration based on qualifications and experience in accordance with the TVöD Bund. Social benefits in line with those of the public sector.

The position is limited to the duration of the replacement period during an employee's employment ban, maternity leave, and parental leave.

Please send your complete application documents through our online system, by latest January 4th, 2026.

The Max Planck Society is one of the leading research organizations in Europe. We offer challenging tasks with a high degree of personal responsibility and creative freedom in research laboratories, work-shops, libraries and administration.

The Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research conducts basic research on plants and their development using a wide variety of methods, in particular molecular genetics, genomics, imaging pro-cesses, computational biology and biochemistry. Our goal is the deep and detailed understanding of fundamental mechanisms in plant biology, which may also then be used to develop innovative strategies for plant breeding.

The Max-Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of in-dividuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and there-fore explicitly encourages women to apply.

The Little Pumpkins Parents' Association offers childcare for children under the age of 3 at the MPIPZ.

It is possible to apply for a low-cost Germany job ticket with a subsidy from the Institute. The institute also has a rental bike station run by the provider nextbike, as well as the possibility of using rental scoot-ers from various providers.

Interested candidates, please upload your complete application documents, including your preferred starting date.

Website: www.mpipz.mpg.de