PhD Position (f/m/d/x) in Plant-Insect-Microbe Interactions

only 6 days left

Part-time

Research and Instruction

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for the following position PhD Position (f/m/d/x) in Plant-Insect-Microbe Interactions

Application deadline: 15. January 2026
Publication date: 11. December 2025
Start-date: 1. April 2026
Scope of work: Part-time position (75 %)
Id no.: 00004720

Description

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a PhD position in the project “Effects of drought and herbivory on tree physiology and microbial endophytes – a case study on Quercus petrea” at the Chair for Forest Entomology and Protection.

We seek highly motivated natural scientists with a keen interest in the ecology and co-evolutionary dynamics of plant-insect-microbe interactions to join our international research group at the Chair for Forest Entomology and Protection (https://uni-freiburg.de/enr-forento/), which is part of the interdisciplinary Excellence Cluster Future Forests.

Background of the project: Hot droughts and increasing herbivory are causing stress and mortality to trees in temperate forests worldwide. However, the interaction between herbivory, microbial symbionts (both from plants and insects) and abiotic stress factors on plant physiology and growth has not yet been thoroughly researched.

Aims: This project aims to combine studies in the forest with experimental approaches in greenhouses to study the interaction between sessile oak trees (Quercus petrea), abiotic stress and a newly arrived, invasive herbivore, the oak lace bug (Hemiptera: Corythucha arcuata). In controlled experiments the PhD candidate will measure (i) bug fitness, (ii) the effects of herbivory and hot drought on the physiological stress response, (iii) tree growth, as well as changes (iv) in microbial symbiont communities.

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg is an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to questions of adaptation and transformation of forests and their societal use in the face of global change. Future-oriented research on the complex interactions between forests and society is conducted here with outstanding international visibility, supported by the German Research Foundation. Future Forests brings together more than 50 researchers from four faculties as well as non-university partner institutions.

Your Tasks

Independent scientific research in the field of Forest Entomology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics (Amplicon Sequencing) and Plant Sciences
Collaboration with interdisciplinary and international research teams
Participation in a structured doctoral program provided by the cluster, contribution to regular seminars, and progress reports
Contribution to scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences
Active involvement in and contributions to cluster activities, workshops, and outreach events
Participation in teaching and supervision of BSc and MSc students

Your Profile

Completed university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in (Forest) Entomology, Microbiology, Plant Sciences, Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Biology or Bioinformatics
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the project, successful candidates must be willing to become acquainted with methods from the fields above
Experience working with insects, plants or microbes
Proficiency in English and a good team spirit are a must
Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
Experience in scientific writing (publications) is an advantage
Knowledge on basic molecular methods, statistics (R skills), and bioinformatics are a plus

We Offer

An exciting research project to build on a scientific caree
A cooperative and highly ambitious research group, in a stimulating interdisciplinary environment with internationally renowned researchers at the newly established Excellence Cluster Future Forests
Structured support and supervision for your scientific and career development
A diverse, collaborative, and inclusive research community, including initial University and cluster-specific onboarding support
Opportunities for further education, attendance at conferences, and professional networking
Flexible working hours and support with work-life balance
Salary according to TV-L 13
A financial budget for project-specific expenses as well as for career development activities

The University of Freiburg is dedicated to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion/belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

Your application should include a cover letter outlining what motivates you about the advertised position/research area and what previous experience qualifies you the position (up to 1,500 words), Curriculum Vitae with list of publications (if applicable), Certified copies of your university degree(s) with grades (BA and MA certificate / Diploma certificate and transcript), Short summary of your master’s (up to 250 words), Work sample (chapter from recent thesis or journal article, up to 5,000 words), Suggestion of two referees with contact details.

For important project related questions you may contact Prof. Dr. Peter Biedermann (peter.biedermann@forento.uni-freiburg.de) or Dr. Vienna Kowallik (vienna.kowallik@forento.uni-freiburg.de).

The position is limited to 30. September 2029. The salary will be determined in accordance with E13 TV-L.

Application

Please send your application including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004720, by 15. January 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
Professur für Forstentomologie und Waldschutz
Fohrenbühl 27
79117 Freiburg

For further information, please contact Angela Maria Haury on the phone number +49 761 203 54111 or E-Mail angela.haury@forento.uni-freiburg.de.

Apply now

Full-time positions may generally be split up into two or more part-time positions, provided that there are no formal or legal barriers. Candidates are selected in accordance with the provisions of the AGG (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz - German General Equal Treatment Act).
Applicants with disabilities (Schwerbehinderte Menschen) will be given preferential consideration in case of equal qualification.
The department offering the position is liable for the content of this job posting. Textual errors do not constitute a basis for any claims or rights. The relevant human resources department has sole responsibility for all legal transactions made within the context of the selection and hiring process.
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