PhD position (m/f/d) in the Excellence Cluster Future Forests in the project Hot drought-stress[...]

PhD position (m/f/d) in the Excellence Cluster Future Forests in the project Hot drought-stress mediated pathogen interactions of Douglas fir at the Chair of Pathology of Trees

NEU

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a PhD position (m/f/d) in the Excellence Cluster Future Forests in the project Hot drought-stress mediated pathogen interactions of Douglas fir at the Chair of Pathology of Trees

This project will investigate the microbial communities with a focus on the mycobiomes that are associated with Douglas fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ) to understand their interactions with fungal pathogens. Although Douglas fir is increasingly used as a climate‑adapted species, it is also vulnerable to opportunistic fungi that become pathogenic under stress. We will study the increasing incidence of co‑infections causing shoot blight and needle cast by combining controlled drought‑stress experiments with pathogen inoculations. In particular, on how hot drought affects pathogen behaviour, whether stress induces priming‑based resistance, and how microbial communities shift under abiotic stress, including provenance‑specific differences influencing disease outcomes and resilience.

Objectives :

• Characterise the microbiome of young Douglas fir from natural stands with differing health status.
• Assess the susceptibility of Douglas fir saplings of various provenances to Diplodia sapinea, Dothistroma spp., and Rhabdocline pseudotsugae , including their co‑infections, before and after controlled exposure to hot drought.

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 tree pathology, mycology, molecular biology
• 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
• Active involvement in and contributions to cluster activities, workshops, and outreach events

Your Profile

• Completed university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in forest sciences, biology or life sciences
• Enthusiasm or proven experience in microbiology, mycology, field‑ and lab work
• Good skills in working with microorganisms and molecular genetics
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Proficient written and spoken English
• Experience in scientific writing (publications) is an advantage

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 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.

Application

Please upload your application including

• a cover letter outlining what motivates you about the advertised position and previous experience qualifies you for the position (up to 1,500 words; AI written texts will be excluded from the application process)
• Certified copies of your university degree(s) with grades (BA and MA certificate / Diploma certificate and transcript)
• Short summary of your master’s thesis (up to 1,000 words)
• Suggestion of two referees with contact details

to the application portal of the University of Freiburg.

The position is limited to 30. September 2029. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV‑L 13.

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number , by 12. Januar 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

via the application portal

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