Research Associate / PhD Candidate

Research Associate / PhD Candidate (65%)

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The University of Bonn is an international research university with a wide education and research profile. With a 200-year history, approximately 31,500 students, more than 6,000 staff, and an excellent reputation at home and abroad, the University of Bonn is one of the most important universities in Germany and is recognized as a university of excellence .

The Chair of Plant Biodiversity at the Bonn Institute of Organismic Biology (BIOB) invites applications for the following position, starting as soon as possible, fixed‑term for three years in accordance with § 2 (1) WissZeitVG and part‑time:

Research Associate / PhD Candidate (65%)

The position is part of the project “Beyond the Current State of Currants: Systematics, Evolutionary History, and Pangenomics of Ribes (Grossulariaceae)”, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

About the research project

The genus Ribes (currants and gooseberries) comprises approximately 200 species distributed across the temperate Northern Hemisphere and the Andes. In addition to economically important crop plants, the genus includes numerous wild relatives whose evolutionary history remains insufficiently understood.

The aim of the project is to reconstruct the evolution and systematics of Ribes using modern phylogenomic and genomic methods. To this end, taxonomic research, target‑capture sequencing (Hyb‑Seq), reference genome sequencing, historical biogeography, and comparative genomics/pangenomics will be combined. The PhD candidate will be actively involved in all work packages of the project and will have the opportunity to comprehensively learn and apply modern methods in evolutionary biology and biodiversity research.

Chair of Plant Biodiversity

The research group of Prof. Dr. Maximilian Weigend conducts research and teaching on the evolution, taxonomy, systematics, and biogeography of flowering plants. A particular focus lies on integrating modern genomic methods with taxonomic, phylogenetic, and biogeographic research questions. The group has access to extensive herbarium, DNA, and living collections, as well as an international network of collaborators.

• Central participation in the DFG‑funded project on the evolution and biogeography of the genus Ribes
• Laboratory work in the areas of DNA isolation, library preparation, –and sequencing projects
• Analysis of phylogenomic and genomic datasets
• Contribution to the taxonomic revision and validation of collection
  and voucher material
• Participation in publications in international scientific journals and presentation of results at national and international conferences
• Research stays at collaborating herbaria and research institutions in Germany and abroad

We offer

• The opportunity to pursue a PhD within a DFG‑funded research project
• An international and research‑oriented working environment
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art methods in phylogenomics, genomics, and evolutionary biology
• Extensive national and international collaboration opportunities
• Opportunities for research stays at herbaria and research institutions
• A varied and challenging position with one of the largest employers in the region
• Networking, contacts, and collaboration opportunities
• Flexible working hours and the option to work from home
• Opportunities for professional development and further training
• Numerous university sports opportunities
• Excellent public transport connections due to the central location in Bonn, as well as
• The possibility to use low‑cost parking facilities
• Remuneration according to salary group 13 TV‑L

Your profile

• Completed Master’s degree in Biology or a related field with a relevant focus on evolutionary, biodiversity, or plant systematics research
• Demonstrated experience in areas such as plant evolution, systematics, genomics, and bioinformatics
• Basic knowledge of statistical and phylogenetic data analysis, ideally with experience in R and/or Python
• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• Independent and structured working style, as well as enthusiasm for working in an international research team
• Experience with molecular biological methods and/or NGS data is advantageous

Diversity and equal opportunity

The University of Bonn promotes an open, respectful, and non‑discriminatory academic culture and is actively committed to equal opportunity and family friendliness. We aim to eliminate structural disadvantages and to strengthen diversity in research, teaching, and administration. Therefore, we welcome all applications, regardless of ethnic or social background, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, disability, or age.

Applications from women and people with a documented severe disability (or equivalent status) will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the State Equality Act (LGG) NRW and Social Code (SGB) IX.