Food jobs in Germany

Organisation/Company Christian Albrecht University of Kiel Department Phytopathology and Crop Protection Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Germany Application Deadline 15 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Apr 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

At the Institute of Phytopathology of Kiel University (CAU), in the newly established Emmy Noether Group led by Dr. Cristina Barragan, we are seeking to fill:

Two PhD Student positions (m/f/d) in Plant Pathogen Evolution

with an anticipated start date in April 2026; an earlier or later start may be arranged. The positions are funded for three years with the possibility of extension. The regular weekly working time corresponds to 65% of a full-time employment (currently 25,16 hours). Classification will be according to pay grade E13 TV-L, subject to the provisions of the collective agreement. PhD candidates will be enrolled at Kiel University and will be part of the CAU Graduate School.

Each PhD student will lead a project exploring how the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae adapts to infect different host plants. This fungus is one of the world’s most destructive crop pathogens and poses a major threat to global food security. The projects combine experimental evolution, genomics, and molecular biology techniques to uncover the genes that drive host shifts and disease development. Students will gain hands‑on experience in modern molecular and genomic approaches while contributing to a deeper understanding of how plant pathogens emerge, and how we can better protect crops from disease.

• Conduct research projects on the evolution and adaptation of plant pathogens
• Publish findings in international peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences
• Support MSc and BSc students in their research projects and guide student assistants
• Participate actively in lab meetings, departmental seminars, and collaborative research activities
• Contribute to maintaining a positive, inclusive, and productive lab environment

E-mail info@phytomed.uni-kiel.de

Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Requirements:

• MSc (or equivalent) in Biology, Agricultural Sciences, or related fields
• Hands‑on laboratory experience with molecular biology techniques
• Fundamental understanding of genomics or bioinformatics concepts
• Strong motivation to study evolutionary biology and plant–pathogen interactions
• Interest in field sampling, greenhouse work, or host–pathogen assays
• Very good English communication skills (written and spoken, C1 level)
• Ability to work both independently and in a team
• Experience with fungal/plant systems and familiarity with sequencing data analysis are advantageous
• Knowledge of experimental evolution or population genetics approaches is an advantage

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

We offer:

• The opportunity to help develop the research group as a founding member
• A collaborative and international research environment
• New, state‑of‑the‑art laboratories, modern greenhouses, and growth chambers
• Access to high‑performance computing resources through CAU’s computing centre
• Opportunities for professional development through seminars and courses organized by CAU’s Graduate School
• Funding to attend national and international conferences and workshops
• An attractive work and living location: Kiel offers a high‑quality of life as a vibrant coastal city on the Baltic Sea with diverse recreational opportunities, and excellent infrastructure

How to apply:

Please send your application as a single PDF document including:

• A cover letter explaining your motivation and relevant experience (max 1–2 pages)
• Copies of your BSc and MSc degree certificates (or equivalent)
• Contact details of two academic references

Informal inquiries about the positions or projects are welcome and can be directed to Dr Cristina Barragan at the same address (info@phytomed.uni-kiel.de ).

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please note that all submitted documents will be deleted after completion of the recruitment process.

Additional comments

Diversity and equal opportunities:

The Christian‑Albrechts‑Universität zu Kiel sees itself as a modern and cosmopolitan employer. We welcome your application regardless of your age, gender, cultural and social origin, religion, worldview, disability or sexual identity. We support gender equality. The University also supports the employment of disabled persons. Persons with disabilities will, with appropriate qualification and aptitudes, be employed preferentially. The University strongly encourages women with appropriate qualifications to apply for the position. Women with equivalent qualifications, competence and expertise will be given preference. Applications from individuals with a migration background are explicitly welcome.

Please note that Kiel University does not request photographs as part of the application and kindly asks applicants to refrain from including one.