Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Plant–Microbe Interactions

At the University of Göttingen -Public Law Foundation-, Abt. Forstliche Phytopathobiome, there is a position as

to be filled. Starting date is 1/1/2027. The position is limited to 30 June 2028.

The Department of Forest Phytopathobiomes conducts research at the interface of plant chemical defenses, forest pathology, microbiology, pathobiome, and molecular plant–microbe interactions. We invite applications for a part-time postdoctoral researcher position to investigate the molecular and chemical mechanisms underlying plant–pathogen interactions.

Your responsibilities

• Establish and optimize a poplar hairy-root culture system and a root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) infection platform to investigate the biosynthesis and functions of tree defense metabolites in belowground tree–microbe interactions.
• Complete ongoing projects led by the chair holder on rice–pathogen interactions, including follow-up experiments, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.
• Perform plant infection assays, disease phenotyping, and molecular and chemical analyses.
• Prepare research proposals for third-party funding.
• Support student supervision and general research activities of the group.
• Contribute to teaching activities of the department.

Your profile

• A university degree at the Master’s level or equivalent, and a completed Ph.D. in plant pathology, plant biotechnology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Strong experience in plant–pathogen interactions and molecular biotechnology, demonstrated by a relevant publication record, including at least one first-author research article published in a Q1 journal (Journal Citation Reports) in Plant Sciences or a closely related subject category.
• Experience with controlled infection experiments using different plant–pathogen systems and quantitative assessment of disease severity or pathogen abundance.
• Experience in at least one of the following areas is expected: root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), experimental work with rice or poplar, plant defense metabolism, and plant hormone biology.
• Proven ability to independently design experiments, analyze data, and prepare manuscripts for publications.
• Excellent written and spoken English. Basic German language skills are an advantage.

We offer

You will join a newly established and highly international research group working at the interface of molecular plant–microbe interactions, phytobiomes, forest pathology, and chemical ecology. The position offers opportunities to develop your research profile and academic independence through leading research activities, establishing a new poplar–nematode pathosystem, publishing research findings, developing research proposals for third-party funding, and gaining experience in student supervision and teaching.

Starting date:

01 January 2027

Duration:

18 months

Application deadline:

27 October 2026

Applications should include a letter of motivation, a CV including a publication list, relevant degree certificates, and the contact details of two referees.

We look forward to receiving your application!

The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The University is particularly committed to the professional participation of severely disabled employees and therefore welcomes applications from severely disabled people. In the case of equal qualifications, applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preference. A disability or equality is to be included in the application in order to protect the interests of the applicant.

Please upload your application in one pdf file including the usual documents until 10/27/2026 on the application portal of the university using this link:

http://obp.uni-goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/Index/76708

. For more information get in touch with Chhana Ullah directly via E-Mail: chhana.ullah@uni-goettingen.de, Tel. +49 551 39 23481 .

Please note:

With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data-protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage is provided in the

Information General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)