PhD Position in Functional Tree Genetics & Genome Editing (f/m/d/x)

NEW

Part-time

Research and Instruction

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg offers a PhD Position in Functional Tree Genetics & Genome Editing (f/m/d/x)

Application deadline: 2. March 2026
Publication date: 5. February 2026
Start-date: 1. May 2026
Scope of work: Part-time position (75 %)
Id no.: 00004838

Description

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a PhD position in functional tree genetics and genome editing. The project aims to establish CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing in poplar to causally dissect the role of epigenetic regulation in stress resilience and stress memory under climate change scenarios. By combining genome editing, epigenome profiling, and quantitative stress phenotyping, the project seeks to identify predictive molecular markers of tree resilience.

The position is jointly supervised by groups in molecular plant physiology, forest genetics, and environmental signalling, offering a uniquely interdisciplinary training environment bridging molecular biology and forest science.

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
- Establish CRISPR/Cas genome editing in poplar
- Generate and characterize mutants of epigenetic regulators
- Perform stress priming–challenge–recovery assays (drought × heat × biotic cues)
- Conduct molecular analyses (DNA methylation, chromatin marks, transcriptomics, hormone responses)
Collaboration with interdisciplinary and international research teams
Participation in a structured doctoral program, contribution to regular seminars, and progress reports
Contribution to scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences
Writing of progress reports and scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences
Active involvement in and contributions to cluster activities, workshops, and outreach events

Your Profile

Completed university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in plant sciences, molecular biology, biotechnology, forest sciences or related fields
Enthusiasm or proven experience in functional genetics or genome editing
Experience with molecular biology techniques in poplar is highly advantageous
Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
Proficient written and spoken English

We Offer

An exciting interdisciplinary environment within an internationally renowned researchers at a newly established Excellence Cluster
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 training, attendance at conferences, and professional networking
Flexible working hours and support with work-life balance
Salary according to TV-L 13
A 3.5 year contract for PhD research
An individual 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.

Application

Please upload your application (including Cover letter outlining what motivates you about the advertised position and what previous experience qualifies you for the position (up to 1,500 words, CV, relevant certificates/transcripts, and two references)) by 02 March 2026 to the application portal of the University of Freiburg.

For questions, please contact: Jűrgen Kleine-Vehn (juergen.kleine-vehn@biologie.uni-freiburg.de).

The position is limited to 3.5 years. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L 13.

Application

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004838, by 2. March 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Professur für Molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie
Fakultät für Biologie
Schänzlestr. 1
79104 Freiburg i. Br.

For further information, please contact Herr Prof. Dr. Jürgen Kleine-Vehn on the phone number +49 761 203-2951 or E-Mail juergen.kleine-vehn@biologie.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.
Please note that breaches in privacy and unauthorized access by third parties cannot be excluded in communication by unencrypted email.

Working at the University of Freiburg

Join the University of Freiburg, one of the most prestigious and research-intensive universities in Germany, offering a unique diversity and interplay of disciplines and perspectives in one of the most popular cities in the heart of Europe.