Scientific researcher (PhD position) “Integrating genetics into crop models” (all genders welcome)

Scientific researcher (PhD position) “Integrating genetics into crop models” (all genders welcome)
Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L/75%

The Georg-August University of Göttingen, Germany is an internationally renowned research university Founded in 1737 in the Age of Enlightenment, the University is committed to the values of social responsibility of science, democracy, tolerance and justice. It offers a comprehensive range of subjects  across 13 faculties.
The Division of Tropical Plant Production and Agricultural Systems Modelling (TROPAGS) of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, is pleased to announce  and invite applications for a Scientific researcher: 
„Integration of genetics into process-based crop models to simulate genotype-specific biotic–abiotic stress interactions and their impacts in maize”
This is a four-year 75% (29,85 hours/week) PhD position which will be filled as soon as possible to work on the DFG-funded MultiStress Research Unit  6101. It is open to all qualified individuals (m/f/d) who are eager to engage in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research at the interface of crop modelling,  genetics, environmental science, plant–biotic interactions and ecological dynamics.
Context: MultiStress RU 6101 investigates how maize responds to multiple, interacting abiotic (e.g., drought, nitrogen deficit) and biotic (fungal disease;  herbivory) stress factors. Through an integrated experimental–modelling approach, the project aims to improve our understanding and prediction of 
crop performance under complex stress environments. This position is an integral part of the modelling subproject (SP6) of MultiStress RU and will  focus on integrating the genetic make-up of different temperate and tropical maize genotypes into a new MultiStress crop model (for details, see, https://multistress.uni-goettingen.de/ ).

Main Tasks:
• Review existing crop modelling approaches and identify gaps regarding process descriptions of multiple abiotic and biotic stress interactions
• Testing pre-selected base models (e.g. SSM) regarding their capability to simulate crop responses to water and nitrogen stress using existing data;  perform model evaluation and intercomparisons
• Link genetic with metabolic and ecophysiological traits to model parameters through, e.g. an index and define genotype-specific response functions.
• Validate the model for the studied genotypes using (unused) experimental data from CE field trials.
• Analyse model outputs and explore how concomitant biotic + abiotic stresses affect maize yield & quality under varying future climate scenarios.
• Collaborate closely with other subprojects within the RU, linking experimental, modelling, and synthesis activities.
• Publishing your research in international peer-reviewed journals

Required Qualifications:
• At least, Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Crop Science, Agricultural or Environmental Sciences, Plant Pathology, Systems Biology, or a related field
• Strong interest in quantitative crop modelling and the interaction between genetics, plant physiology, environment, and pests/diseases.
• Solid skills in programming and data analysis (e.g., R, Python).
• Experience with process-based models, genomic prediction models (GP), experimental datasets, or parameter estimation is an advantage.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and international team.
• Very good command of English, both written and spoken

We offer:
• A dynamic, interdisciplinary, and internationally leading research environment within the DFG Research Unit MultiStress.
• Excellent supervision and training opportunities in model development, data interpretation, and scientific communication.
• Access to unique multi-stress experimental datasets and high-performance computing infrastructure.
• Opportunities for international collaboration and conference participation.

Interviews will be scheduled to take place as soon as suitable potential candidates have been identified; you will receive an invitation then in due course.