Project Description

The MicroResponS project examines the resilience of wheat-associated microbial communities under drought conditions and evaluates how fungicides alter microbiome functions. The overarching goal is to understand how beneficial microbes support cereal crops under environmental stress and how agricultural management practices influence these relationships. This research sits at the intersection of plant microbiology, microbial ecology, agricultural biotechnology, metagenomics, bioinformatics, and sustainable crop production.

Why This Scholarship Stands Out

This PhD is unique because it addresses a critical question in sustainable agriculture: how do water stress and fungicide application affect the wheat microbiome? Understanding this could help develop microbiome-informed crop management strategies. The project combines plant pot experiments with meta-omics approaches (metagenomics, metatranscriptomics) to detect plant growth-promoting microbial traits. ZALF is one of Europe’s premier agricultural research institutes, and the proximity to Berlin provides access to a vibrant academic ecosystem. The collaboration with Coburg University and Humboldt University of Berlin expands your research network. For a student interested in microbial ecology and sustainable agriculture, this is an opportunity to do high-impact research funded by the DFG.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct plant pot experiments using wheat and related cereal species
• Develop and apply meta-omics approaches to detect plant growth-promoting microbial traits
• Analyze microbial and ecological datasets
• Publish findings in international peer-reviewed journals
• Present results at scientific conferences
• Collaborate closely with project partners at the University of Applied Sciences Coburg and colleagues in the MicGeo team at ZALF

Candidate Profile and Eligibility

Collaborating Institutions

• Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF)
• Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts
• Humboldt University of Berlin

A second doctoral researcher will work primarily in Coburg, creating opportunities for close collaboration.

What They Offer

My Application Strategy

1. Highlight your metagenomics or microbial ecology experience – This project uses meta-omics approaches; specific experience is highly valuable
2. Emphasize plant-microbe interaction knowledge – Understanding of plant microbiomes and agricultural systems
3. Show statistical and programming skills – Familiarity with ecological statistics and R programming is important
4. Demonstrate independence – The position requires scientific curiosity and ability to work independently
5. Include reference number 23-2026 in your application

Who Should Apply

This PhD is perfect for a student with a background in microbial ecology, plant-microbe interactions, or bioinformatics who wants to apply meta-omics approaches to understand how agricultural practices affect crop microbiomes. If you are interested in how beneficial microbes can help cereals tolerate drought, and how fungicides might disrupt those beneficial relationships, this project offers training in both experimental plant microbiology and computational biology. Candidates with experience in metagenomics or R programming are especially encouraged. Candidates with experience in necropsy, histopathology, or marine mammal stranding networks are especially encouraged.contribute to sustainable agriculture through genetic solutions for disease resistance.

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