A fully funded PhD position is available at the University of Tübingen under the supervision of Professor Michaela Dippold. The research focuses on root-soil interactions in maize under multiple abiotic and biotic stresses, including drought, nitrogen deficiency, leaf blight, and stemborer pests. The project will integrate rhizosphere processes, plant-soil interactions, and transcriptomic data, with fieldwork conducted in Göttingen, Germany and Siaya, Kenya. Eligible candidates must have a Master's degree in Soil Science, Agriculture, Biogeochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biology, or related fields, and possess skills in laboratory techniques, soil/root analysis, and scientific writing.

The position is funded by a KAAD scholarship for East African scholars, pending final approval. The application deadline is December 5, 2025. Interested applicants should send a single PDF application to Professor Michaela Dippold at [email protected].

This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of plant science, soil science, and environmental stress.