The DFG Collaborative Research Centre TRR 341 (Plant Ecological Genetics) is inviting applications for 10 fully funded PhD positions across leading German research institutions, including the University of Cologne, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Philipps University Marburg, and the Julius Kühn Institute.
Research Focus & Ecological Scope
Understanding how genetic variation enables ecological adaptation to environmental stress and climate variation is fundamental to biodiversity conservation and crop resilience. TRR 341 integrates evolutionary genomics, transcriptomics, quantitative genetics, and field ecology. Key research sub-projects include:
- Genomic Basis of Environmental Adaptation: Investigating molecular mechanisms mediating plant tolerance to drought, temperature extremes, and nutrient limitations.
- Ecological Interactions & Community Dynamics: Modeling gene-by-environment interactions and competitive fitness in diverse plant communities.
- Computational Systems Biology: Applying machine learning, population genomics pipelines, and multi-omics data integration.
Position Package & Host Network
- Total Positions: 10 fully funded 3-year doctoral positions.
- Stipend/Salary: Standard German university doctoral scale (TV-L E13, 65%) with full health and social security benefits.
- Locations: Cologne, Düsseldorf, Marburg, and Sanitz (Germany).
- Funding: German Research Foundation (DFG).
Qualifications
- Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Genetics, Evolutionary Biology, Ecological Genomics, Molecular Biology, Plant Physiology, or Bioinformatics.
- Experience with genomic sequencing workflows, bioinformatic tools (R/Python), or field ecology experiments.
- Strong enthusiasm for collaborative multidisciplinary research and English proficiency.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit a motivation letter specifying their top project choices, CV, academic transcripts, and contact details for two academic referees through the official TRR 341 portal before the upcoming review deadlines.