Doctoral position (m/f/d) on Molecular stress response of trees and their microbiome

Doctoral position (m/f/d) on Molecular stress response of trees and their microbiome

NEU

Teilzeit

Forschung und Lehre

The CRC 1537 - ECOSENSE invites applications for a doctoral researcher (m/f/d) position at the Chair of Forest Genetics Doctoral position (m/f/d) on Molecular stress response of trees and their microbiome

Bewerbungsfrist: 20. April 2026

Veröffentlichungsdatum: 31. März 2026

Eintrittstermin: 1. Juli 2026

Arbeitsumfang: Part-time position (75 %)

Kennziffer: 00004910

Beschreibung

Who we are:

In ECOSENSE we explore new ways to quantify ecosystem processes and stress impact of climate change by developing novel sensor principles and measurement methods ( We established a comprehensive infrastructure and sensor network in a nearby forest including three canopy access towers.

For our second phase starting this July we are seeking 15 doctoral from environmental and engineering sciences. ECOSENSE offers highly interdisciplinary research and training in a cooperative and vivid working environment.

In Subproject B4, we will investigate gene expression of trees and their leaf microbiomes in the ECOSENSE Forest to identify stress-responsive plant genes and microbial shifts. Coupled with ECOSENSEs high-resolution sensor network, expression patterns will be interpreted in the context of the microenvironment and linked to ecophysiology. In addition, we will investigate gene expression of trees in controlled climate chamber and Ecotrone experiments to address herbivore response and tree-to-tree signaling. A close collaboration with the Technical Faculty is planned to establish a microfluidic system for on-site qPCR reactions (Dr. Jacob Hess, IMTEK). The project will be jointly supervised by Prof. Dr. Katrin Heer and Dr. Cristina Zamora (University of Valladolid).

Your Task:

In ECOSENSE, you will collect tissue samples for RNA extraction from trees in the ECOSENSE forest across strata, and also from the experiments, you will optimize RNA extraction protocols with our partner group led by Dr. Jacob Hess, you will carry out qPCR experiments, and analyze the RNAseq data as well as the qPCR data using Unix systems and R. You will also present and discuss your results in our working group seminar, and also at (inter)national conferences. Finally, you will publish the results in collaboration with other collaborators in ECOSENSE.

Your qualifications and contributions to ECOSENSE:

You hold a Masters degree in Forest Sciences, Biology, Environmental Sciences or related fields

Experience in gene expression analysis in plants or more generally, in plant genomics

Good skills in laboratory work (RNA or DNA extractions, qPCR analysis) and statistical analysis

Experience with field work and the ability to work under demanding field conditions (work at height at the canopy access towers)

Experience in bioinformatic analysis and forest ecology or willingness to learn about both

Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

Excellent English skills

Great enthusiasm for working in a large interdisciplinary project and interest in collaborative research

You hold a driver´s license valid in Germany.

What we offer:

An exciting interdisciplinary topic with a high socio-ecological impact

A salary according to TV-L E13 (75%)

Contracts will initially run for three years with an option of extension until the end of the CRCs second phase, which will be June 2030.

odern laboratory equipment and a highly qualified, multicultural team, which will cooperate with you and support you along your professional growth.