Postdoc position in Plant Evolutionary Ecology (TVL E13 100%)

Postdoc position in Plant Evolutionary Ecology (TVL E13 100%)

The Cluster of Excellence GreenRobust Plant Science Vacancies and the Department of Plant Ecology is searching for:

General framework

Plant Robustness is seen as the ability of plants to maintain function, despite severe perturbations, such as drought, heat or pathogen attack. The goal of the Green Robust Cluster of Excellence is to uncover the principles of plant robustness. LEAP forms a core part of this strategy by investigating plant robustness to heat and drought in the context of plant competition and relatedness, and whether knowledge of their trade‑offs and synergies enables predicting population‑level robustness to perturbations.

LEAP

LEAP (LEveraging ecological theory for plant robustness Across scales: trade‑offs and synergies among robustness traits in individuals for Population stability) is an ambitious, collaborative, and interdisciplinary project among seven groups within the framework of the GreenRobust Cluster of Excellence. LEAP will study molecular, physiological and morphological (incl. biomechanical) mechanisms of plant robustness to drought, heat, and competition with other plants. Our approaches range from molecular and individual levels to population‑level robustness.

Requirements

We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are eager to work in a collaborative environment across three universities and across disciplines (molecular plant science, plant evolutionary ecology and biomechanics). Candidates should value interdisciplinary work, be quick learners, flexible in their thinking, and have a passion for plant science and a career in academia. A strong background in plant science, experience with designing and analyzing large‑scale greenhouse experiments, and a record of peer‑reviewed publications are essential. Understanding of molecular plant sciences, plant biomechanics, and computational approaches is desirable. Additional expertise related to the two PhD projects is welcome.

Postdoc position: Plant Evolutionary Ecology

This is a coordinating role aimed at preparing an experienced Postdoc for a future PI position. The successful candidate will have a PhD in Plant Science, Plant Ecology or equivalent, experience with large‑scale greenhouse experiments, and a publishing record. The working period is three years, and the postdoc will collaborate with a larger international and interdisciplinary group.

What we offer

You will have the opportunity to work with world‑class research groups across fields within the GreenRobust framework ( LEAP provides a unique chance to contribute to plant molecular and ecological science in a large, interdisciplinary team drawing from Tübingen University, Hohenheim University and Heidelberg University. Besides an exciting research topic, you will have access to extensive training, first‑class instrumentation, and a structured supervision concept within the GreenRobust Cluster of Excellence.

Contact

For more information on the positions, please contact: All three Universities seek to increase diversity in research and teaching and therefore urge qualified academics from underrepresented groups to apply. Applications from equally qualified candidates with disabilities will be given preference. The employment will be carried out by the central administration of the University of Tübingen.

Please send your application—including a letter of interest, a teaching and research concept, CV, and a list of publications—as a single PDF file to . Please also ensure that two letters of reference will be sent independently to the above address.

The deadline for applications is April 15th, 2026. The start of the position is envisaged for July 1st, 2026.