Technical Assistant or Laboratory Technician (m/f/d)

At the Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB), one position is available in the MetaCom Metabolomics Unit for Chemical-Technical Assistant (m/f/d), Chemical Laboratory Technician (m/f/d), Biological-Technical Assistant (m/f/d) or Biological Laboratory Technician (m/f/d). The position is full-time (part-time is possible), initially limited to two years, starting March 2026.

Research Area

You will support the MetaCom – Center for Plant Metabolomics and Computational Biochemistry, established in 2023. Our team focuses on the analysis of small molecules (metabolites) from plants using chromatography and mass spectrometry, and on understanding their roles in plant physiological processes. The smooth execution of these complex technologies requires a well-organized laboratory environment and dedicated, careful team members.

Responsibilities

• Preparation and processing of samples for various analytical measurements (including extractions and derivatizations)
• Preparation of buffers and standard solutions
• Conducting standard and control measurements (LCMS and GCMS)
• Performing basic maintenance on LCMS and/or GCMS systems; contributing to lab management and quality control
• Assisting with data evaluation and maintaining detailed experimental documentation
• Conducting plant physiological experiments and harvesting plant samples (for BTA applicants)
• Supervising and instructing students and trainees

Your Profile

• Completed training as CTA, PTA, BTA, or MTA, or a Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry
• Solid experience in chemical-analytical laboratory work
• Preferably, practical experience with chromatography and mass spectrometry
• Hands-on experience in preparing biological (preferably plant) samples
• Careful, reliable, and independent working style
• Interest and motivation to operate complex analytical instruments
• Language skills: German or English at C1 level
• Willingness to work in an international team
• Service-oriented attitude

We Offer

• Thorough onboarding and training in all relevant methods and techniques
• Modern working conditions in a forward-looking, top-level research environment
• Flexible and family-friendly working hours
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Employment and leave conditions according to the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Federal States (TV-L), including annual bonus payments
• Employer contributions to the occupational pension scheme (VBL)
• Extensive health promotion programs

Application and Further Information

For more information, please contact Dr. Henriette Uthe, +49 345 5582-1700, Henriette.Uthe@ipb-halle.de. Please send your complete application documents (cover letter, CV, certificates, etc.) as a single PDF file by December 12, 2025, quoting the reference number 22/2025, to bewerbungen@ipb-halle.de.

Foreign qualifications must comply with German standards (TV-L-EntgeltO Protokollerklärung Nr. 1 Absatz 4) and be certified (equivalence test in Germany, subject to a fee) and presented to IPB Human Resources at the time of hiring: https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education

About Us

The Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (IPB), a member of the Leibniz Association, is a non-university research institution located on the Weinberg Campus in Halle (Saale), Germany. As a public-law foundation, the IPB operates under the supervision of the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt. The IPB is an internationally renowned research institute consisting of four scientific departments and several independent research groups (around 200 employees, including approximately 40 doctoral researchers). Research at the IPB aims to understand the (bio)chemical foundations of plant performance and resilience under environmental conditions shaped by climate change.

The institute offers excellent research facilities and state-of-the-art infrastructure for studying the chemical diversity, biochemical interactions, and biological functions of small natural product molecules in plants and fungi. www.ipb-halle.de

Diversity, Family and Equal Opportunities

The IPB aspires to equal opportunity, diversity, and the promotion of work-life balance. It has been awarded the certificate "Total E-Quality" and is a member of the nationwide networks "Success Factor Family" and 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/

Data Protection

Please note the data protection information for applicants (m/f/d) according to Article 13 and 14 GDPR on data protection processing during the application process: https://www.ipb-halle.de/en/career/data-protection-information-for-applicants/