PhD Position in Plant Stress Physiology and Molecular Responses in Maize at Technical University of Munich

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is offering a fully funded PhD position within the DFG Research Unit MultiStress, focusing on the physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of maize to concurrent biotic and abiotic stresses. The project is based at the TUM School of Life Sciences and is part of Subproject 2 (SP2) of the MultiStress Research Unit, which investigates how maize responds to interacting abiotic stresses (such as drought, nitrogen deficiency, and heat) and biotic stresses (such as foliar disease or herbivory). The research aims to provide a mechanistic understanding of maize multistress responses at physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels, with a special emphasis on plant water relations, hormonal regulation (notably abscisic acid), oxidative stress responses, and integration with high-resolution phenotyping under single and combined stress conditions. The project involves laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments, including international fieldwork in Kenya, and offers an interdisciplinary and global research environment. The position is hosted at TUM and involves close collaboration with partners at the University of Göttingen and Kenyan research institutions. Main tasks include conducting experiments on maize under various stress conditions, measuring physiological traits, performing biochemical and molecular analyses, integrating data with advanced phenotyping approaches, statistical analysis, and publishing research results in international journals. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in plant sciences, biology, crop science, environmental sciences, or related fields. Essential qualifications include a strong interest in plant stress physiology, experience with experimental plant research, ability to work independently and collaboratively, and excellent English skills. Preferred (but not mandatory) skills include experience with plant water relations, hormone signalling, biochemical or molecular biology techniques, imaging, phenotyping, data-driven analysis, and willingness to participate in fieldwork abroad. The position is fully funded for four years (65% TV-L E13) and provides access to state-of-the-art laboratory, phenotyping, and imaging infrastructure, as well as opportunities for international collaboration, conferences, and workshops. The application deadline is February 28, 2026. To apply, submit a single PDF file (motivation letter, CV, certificates, and contact details of two references) to [email protected]. For further information, contact Prof. Mutez Ahmed ([email protected]).