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

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

Oktober 2026

Bewerbungszeitraum vom 27. Oktober 2026 bis 20. November 2026

Referenznummer 43/09/26

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.