Postdoc – Combining ecological modelling and quantitative genetics Wiss2607-07 | Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences | TRR 341 'Plant Ecological Genetics'

Postdoctoral Researcher Position (f/m/x)

Sciences | TRR 341 'Plant Ecological Genetics'

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

The TRR 341 is a Collaborative Research Centre funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) at the Universities of Cologne (UoC), Düsseldorf (HHU), Bochum (RUB), Marburg (UMR), Potsdam and Ilmenau (TUIL), as well as Julius-Kühn Institute (JKI), Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) and the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ). In a joint and interdisciplinary approach integrating plant molecular biology, evolutionary and quantitative genetics and ecology, we are investigating the genetic underpinnings of plant responses and adaptation to global environmental changes. Our collective aim is to provide resources in molecular and genetic data and tools to better understand the molecular basis of plant adaptation. We thereby hope to support current and future efforts for the preservation of plant biodiversity.

YOUR TASKS

• In this project we aim to combine species distribution models and quantitative genetics to understand the adaptive potential of plants to changing environments. We are therefore looking for candidates with interests in evolutionary questions and plant research.

YOUR PROFILE

• The successful candidate should have a PhD in a relevant field (e.g. computational biology, evolutionary genetics, plant ecology), ideally with a background in population genetics, quantitative genetics, computational biology or equivalent. We are seeking for candidates with good basic knowledge of species distribution modelling and evolutionary biology, with strong computational skills (e.g. knowledge in bash, R or Python), as well as excellent oral and written English communication skills. The position will be based at the University of Cologne (UoC).

WE OFFER

• As a TRR 341 early career researcher, you will benefit from the unique and interdisciplinary TRR 341 research network in the field of Plant Ecological Genetics that bundles the expertise of excellent scientists from the nine different research institutions. We are dedicated to support your scientific and career development as future experts in Plant Ecological Genetics. Regular meetings with other members of the TRR 341 community of all career levels will provide you with ample opportunities for interdisciplinary exchanges, in addition to both technical and soft skill training if desired.
• A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
• Support in balancing work and family life
• Flexible working time models
• Extensive advanced training opportunities
• Occupational health management offers

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available as soon as possible on a full-time basis (39,83 hours per week). The position is to be filled for a fixed term until 30 June 2030. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and has the appropriate personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

Please send your application (without a photo) with proof of the required qualifications online with the reference number Wiss2607-07 to https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. Please provide the following as proof of qualification: a letter of motivation, a CV (including the contact details of two references) and degree certificates. All personal information provided will be processed according to the local data protection regulations (DSGVO). The application deadline is 31.07.2026.

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