PhD in Plant Ecological Genetics — University of Cologne

Key details

• Host institution: University of Cologne
• Location: University of Cologne, Albertus-Magnus-Platz, Köln, Germany
• Application deadline: July 10, 2026

Funding

Not funded by a EU programme

Funding level (from listing): partial or not via EU framework — confirm on the official call.

How to apply

• Apply by email to [email protected] (subject line and attachments per the official instructions).
• Full vacancy text and updates: Euraxess listing.

About the position

The University of Cologne invites applications for 10 Doctoral Researcher / PhD positions (f/m/d) as part of the Collaborative Research Centre TRR 341 – ‘Plant Ecological Genetics’. Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), this interdisciplinary network unites nine partner institutions, including the Universities of Cologne, Düsseldorf, Bochum, Marburg, Potsdam, and Ilmenau, as well as the Julius Kühn Institute, Forschungszentrum Jülich, and the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research. The research integrates plant molecular biology, evolutionary and quantitative genetics, and ecology to investigate the genetic basis of plant responses and adaptation to global environmental changes, with the goal of supporting plant biodiversity preservation.

Your Tasks and Profile

We seek talented, highly motivated doctoral candidates with a Master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in one of the following disciplines:

• Plant Sciences
• Molecular Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics
• Population Genetics
• Ecology
• Artificial Intelligence
• Systems Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Related disciplines

Ideal candidates have a strong interest in ecological and genetic adaptation of plants to changing environments and a motivation to contribute to conservation of plant ecosystems and diversity. You should be an excellent team player, driven by curiosity, and possess an aptitude for interdisciplinary research. The working language is English.

For details on the specific projects, please visit: https://trr341.uni-koeln.de/join-us. You may apply for one or more projects.

Our Offer

As a TRR 341 early career researcher, you will benefit from a unique, interdisciplinary research network in Plant Ecological Genetics, bundling expertise from nine institutions. The integrated ‘Graduate School in Ecological Genetics’ (GEcoGen) provides comprehensive scientific and career development training, along with regular community meetings for interdisciplinary exchange.

Application Process

The positions are available as soon as possible and are fixed-term until 30 June 2030, in accordance with the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG). Place of employment depends on the research project. Salary is up to pay grade 13 TV-L (65% part-time) for UoC, HHU, and RUB, or based on TVöD-Bund (65%) for JKI and MPIPZ, depending on qualifications and funding conditions.

Applications are accepted exclusively through the UoC job portal. Please submit your application (without a photo) online with reference number Wiss2605-14 at https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de, including:

• A letter of motivation
• A CV (with contact details of two references)
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• If applying to multiple projects, a list of projects ordered by preference (motivation for each can be included in the letter or list)

Application deadline: 10 July 2026. For questions, contact [email protected].

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Severely disabled applicants of equal merit will be given priority. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with applicable equal opportunities laws. We welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or identity.