Fully Funded 10 Doctoral Researcher Positions – TRR 341 ‘Plant Ecological Genetics’ – University of Cologne – Germany
About TRR 341 & University of Cologne
The University of Cologne is one of the largest and most research-intensive universities in Germany. TRR 341 is a Collaborative Research Centre funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) at the Universities of Cologne, Düsseldorf, Bochum, Marburg, Potsdam, and Ilmenau, as well as Julius-Kühn Institute, Forschungszentrum Jülich, and the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research. In a joint and interdisciplinary approach integrating plant molecular biology, evolutionary and quantitative genetics, and ecology, the centre investigates the genetic underpinnings of plant responses and adaptation to global environmental changes.
Scholarship Overview
Available Projects
| Project | Title |
|---|---|
| A02 | Fitness and competition effects of molecular variants of leaf area in barley |
| A07 | Adaptive responses to plant density at molecular and ecological levels: the role of soil microbiota |
| A09 | Ecological adaptation to local soil pH in Arabidopsis halleri |
| A10 | Sulfur homeostasis networks in adaptation of Arabidopsis thaliana accessions to various S supply |
| A13 | Adaptive potential of the leaf proteome in stressful environments |
| B01 | Ecological diversification in heterogeneous habitats: A comparative approach at genotypic and phenotypic levels |
| B02 | Adaptive significance of phenotypic variation in Scandinavian Arabis alpina |
| B04 | Adaptation via gene-flow in endangered Arabis floodplain species |
| B07 | Ecological genetics of Hordeum murinum |
| B09 | Fight or Flight: Evolutionary Trade-offs Between Drought Adaptation and Herbivory Resistance in Brassica rapa |
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
This is a unique opportunity with 10 projects across plant molecular biology, evolutionary genetics, and ecology. The TRR 341 integrates expertise from nine research institutions across Germany. You will join the integrated Graduate School in Ecological Genetics (GEcoGen), offering comprehensive training in Plant Ecological Genetics, career development, and regular interdisciplinary exchanges. The projects cover diverse topics from barley leaf area genetics to Arabidopsis adaptation and Brassica trade-offs. For a student interested in plant adaptation to environmental change, this is an opportunity to join a major DFG-funded research network.
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in Plant Sciences, Molecular Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Population Genetics, Ecology, AI, Systems Biology, Bioinformatics or related disciplines |
| Interest | Strong interest in ecological and genetic adaptation of plants to changing environments |
| Motivation | Motivation to contribute to conservation of plant ecosystems/diversity |
| Teamwork | Excellent team players, driven by curiosity, aptitude for interdisciplinary research |
| Language | Main working language is English |
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Fixed term until June 30, 2030 |
| Salary | Up to pay grade 13 TV-L (65%) or TVöD-Bund 65% |
| Research Network | Interdisciplinary TRR 341 network with 9 research institutions |
| Training | Graduate School in Ecological Genetics (GEcoGen) – comprehensive training program |
| Career Development | Targeted scientific education and complementary training |
My Application Tips
- Review the project details carefully – Each project has different focus areas
- Apply for one or more projects – You can apply to multiple projects with preferences
- Highlight relevant experience – Match your background to the specific projects
- Include all required documents – Motivation letter, CV (with two references), degree certificates, transcript of records
- Indicate project preferences – Order your preferred projects and explain motivation for each
- Apply through the UoC job portal only – Unless stated otherwise
Who Should Apply
These positions are perfect for students with backgrounds in plant sciences, molecular biology, evolutionary biology, genetics, ecology, bioinformatics, or related fields who are interested in plant adaptation to environmental change. Whether your interest is in barley genetics, Arabidopsis adaptation, or Brassica trade-offs, there is a project to match your interests.
How to Apply
Required documents:
- Letter of motivation
- CV (including contact details of two references)
- Degree certificates
- Transcript of records
- List of projects applied to (ordered by preference)
Reference Number: Wiss2605-14
Application Deadline: July 10, 2026
General questions: trr341-office@uni-koeln.de
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