PhD Position on the Role of Microbial Plant Pathogens on Soil Biodiversity JENA EXPERIMENT bei Universität zu Köln

Microbial plant pathogens play important roles in biodiversi-
ty-ecosystem function relationships. This project investigates
the roles of Oomycetes and Phytomyxea (Protists) in combi-
nation with drought on plant performance within gradients
of increasing plant diversity in the Jena Experiment (http://
www.the-jena-experiment.de/).

YOUR TASKS

» Analyses of pathogen communities by Illumina high-
throughput sequencing and metatranscriptomics

» Analysis of the expression of plant functional
genes in response to pathogens

» Design of qPCR primers for specific Oomycota
(Stramenopiles) and Phytomyxea (Rhizaria)

» Bioinformatics and statistics
» Fieldwork in the Jena Experiment
» Preparation of project reports; representation

and presentation of the project in conferences
» Writing high-quality publications on the project content

YOUR PROFILE

» Master degree in Biology/Microbiology/Plant Pathology
with a thorough knowledge of molecular biology

» Basic knowledge of bioinformatics and statistics
» Knowledge of protistology, plant pathology,

or molecular microbiology
» Publication experience, excellent written

and oral presentation skills
» Outstanding command of spoken and

written German and English
» Willingness to travel (Jena experimental site,

project meetings, conferences)
» Driving license for cars

WE OFFER

» Integration into a high-ranking international
research team

» A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
» Support in balancing work and family life
» Flexible working time models
» Extensive advanced training opportunities
» Occupational health management offers

The University of Cologne is committed to equal opportuni-
ties and diversity. Women are especially encouraged to apply
and will be considered preferentially in accordance with the
Gender Equality Act of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
(LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from
people with mild/moderate/severe disabilities or special
needs.

The position is available from April 2024 on a part-time
basis (25,89 hours per week). The position is limited to
4 years. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requi-
rements and personal qualifications, the salary is based
on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the
German public sector.

Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications
without a photo to : https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The
reference number is Wiss2310-09. The application deadline
is 19.11.2023.

Institute of Zoology | Terrestrial Ecology

PhD Position (f/m/x) on the Role of Microbial Plant Pathogens on Soil Biodiversity/
Ecosystem Functioning in the DFG Research Unit JENA EXPERIMENT

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region.
Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne
make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities
in science, technology, and administration.

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences