Scientific researcher (PhD position) “Integrating genetics into crop models” (all genders welcome)

Overview

Stellen-ID: 76483

At the University of Göttingen -Public Law Foundation-, DNPW - Abt. Tropischer Pflanzenbau und Agrosystem Modellierung, there is a position as Scientific researcher (PhD position) “Integrating genetics into crop models” (all genders welcome). Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L/75% to be filled. Starting date is as soon as possible. The position is limited to .

Position details

Scientific researcher (PhD position) “Integrating genetics into crop models” (all genders welcome) (Note: nur in Englisch verfügbar)

Stellen-ID: 76483

Einrichtung: DNPW - Abt. Tropischer Pflanzenbau und Agrosystem Modellierung

Kontaktperson: Reimund Roetter – –

Besetzungsdatum: Zum nächstmöglichen Zeitpunkt

Bewerbungsfrist:

Bewerbung: Hier geht es zu der Bewerbung

PDF-Herunterladen: Hier geht es zum PDF-Download

Context

The Georg-August University of Göttingen, Germany is an internationally renowned research university. Founded in 1737, the University is committed to the values of social responsibility of science, democracy, tolerance and justice. It offers a comprehensive range of subjects across 13 faculties.

The Division of Tropical Plant Production and Agricultural Systems Modelling (TROPAGS) of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences invites applications for a PhD position in a four-year 75% appointments (29.85 hours per week) to work on the DFG-funded MultiStress Research Unit 6101. It is open to all qualified individuals (m/f/d) who are eager to engage in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research at the interface of crop modelling, genetics, environmental science, plant–biotic interactions and ecological dynamics. This position is part of the modelling subproject (SP6) of MultiStress RU and focuses on integrating the genetic make-up of different temperate and tropical maize genotypes into a new MultiStress crop model.

For details see:

Main Tasks

• Review existing crop modelling approaches and identify gaps regarding process descriptions of multiple abiotic and biotic stress interactions
• Test pre-selected base models (e.g. SSM) for their capability to simulate crop responses to water and nitrogen stress using existing data; perform model evaluation and intercomparisons
• Link genetic with metabolic and ecophysiological traits to model parameters through an index and define genotype-specific response functions
• Validate the model for the studied genotypes using (unused) experimental data from CE field trials
• Analyse model outputs and explore how concomitant biotic and abiotic stresses affect maize yield and quality under varying future climate scenarios
• Collaborate closely with other subprojects within the RU, linking experimental, modelling, and synthesis activities
• Publish research in international peer-reviewed journals

Required Qualifications

• At least a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Crop Science, Agricultural or Environmental Sciences, Plant Pathology, Systems Biology, or a related field
• Strong interest in quantitative crop modelling and the interaction between genetics, plant physiology, environment, and pests/diseases
• Solid skills in programming and data analysis (e.g., R, Python)
• Experience with process-based models, genomic prediction models (GP), experimental datasets, or parameter estimation is an advantage
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and international team
• Very good command of English, both written and spoken

We offer

• A dynamic, interdisciplinary, and internationally leading research environment within the DFG Research Unit MultiStress
• Excellent supervision and training opportunities in model development, data interpretation, and scientific communication
• Access to unique multi-stress experimental datasets and high-performance computing infrastructure
• Opportunities for international collaboration and conference participation

Application and equal opportunity

Interviews will be scheduled to take place as soon as suitable potential candidates have been identified; you will receive an invitation in due course.

The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields where they are underrepresented. The university is committed to being a family-friendly institution and supports employees in balancing work and family life. The University is particularly committed to the professional participation of severely disabled employees and welcomes applications from severely disabled people. In case of equal qualifications, applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preference. A disability or equality should be included in the application to protect the interests of the applicant.

Please upload your application in one PDF file including the usual documents until 6/2/2026 on the application portal of the university using this link: For more information contact Reimund Roetter via E-Mail: , Tel. .

Please note: With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage is provided in the Information General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).