7 Doctoral Researchers in Plant Sciences (CEPLAS Cluster of Excellence) University of Cologne in Germany

The Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS) is seeking seven doctoral researchers (m/f/d) for innovative PhD projects in plant sciences. CEPLAS is a collaborative initiative involving the University of Cologne, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research Cologne, Forschungszentrum Jülich, and the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research Gatersleben. The research environment is dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary, offering state-of-the-art laboratories, structured doctoral training within the CEPLAS Graduate School, and career development support.

PhD projects span a range of topics, including comparative reconstruction of leaf development in Brassicaceae, functional resource allocation in stress resilience, sexless seeds for barley hybrids, deep learning prediction and experimental validation of transporter–substrate interactions, root biogeography atlas, optimization of shoot meristem activities through genebank diversity, and dissecting meristem regulatory networks in barley via single-nucleus RNA sequencing. Supervisors include leading researchers from partner institutions, ensuring a rich academic mentorship and collaborative opportunities.

Applicants must have an M.Sc. in molecular plant sciences, genetics, quantitative biology, computational biology, or a related discipline, with research experience in the relevant field. High English proficiency, motivation for scientific research, and excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills are required. CEPLAS values diversity and encourages applications from all genders and persons with disabilities, offering preferential consideration to women and support for those with severe disabilities.

Funding is available, with salary up to pay grade 13 TV-L (HHU, UoC, IPK) or TVöD-Bund (FZJ, MPIPZ), at 65%. Employment is initially for three years, starting June 1, 2026, with the possibility of a one-year extension. The place of employment depends on the chosen research project. The application deadline is May 31, 2026.

To apply, submit your application via the HHU portal, including a motivation letter specifying the project, CV (with publications if applicable), contact information for two references, and Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with transcripts, all in a single PDF file (<5 MB). For further information, visit www.ceplas.eu or contact the CEPLAS Office at [email protected].