The University of Cologne, one of Europe’s oldest and largest universities, is offering exciting PhD and Postdoctoral positions in Plant Genomics, Quantitative Genetics, and Evolutionary Research. These opportunities are hosted within the Institute for Plant Sciences and the Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), providing a dynamic and collaborative research environment. The Crop Evolution group, led by Professor Markus Stetter, focuses on evolutionary biology, population genetics, and genomics to understand plant adaptation and diversification, with major research themes including maize and amaranth domestication, crop evolution, and betalain pigment genetics. PhD candidates will work on funded projects examining the evolution and adaptation of maize, utilizing genomic analysis, population and quantitative genetics, and multi-omics datasets. The position is part-time (65%) until December 2028, with salary based on TV-L 13. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in a relevant field, strong computational skills (Bash, R, Python), and interest in evolutionary biology and crop science. Postdoctoral researchers will join an ERC-funded project investigating the origins and regulatory mechanisms of betalain pigments, employing genomic and multi-omics analysis, including single-cell approaches. The full-time position runs until December 2027, also funded under TV-L 13. Candidates must hold a PhD in a related discipline and demonstrate expertise in population or quantitative genetics and omics data analysis. The University of Cologne offers state-of-the-art facilities, a vibrant international research community, and extensive support for work-life balance, equal opportunity, and professional development. Researchers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, and German language proficiency is not required. Both positions provide opportunities to present research at conferences and collaborate across CEPLAS and other research groups. Application deadline is 14 December 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the official job portal links provided. Highlight your experience in statistical genetics, bioinformatics, scientific publication, and motivation for working with maize, amaranth, or betalain pigments in your application. These positions are ideal for candidates passionate about plant genomics, evolutionary genetics, and computational biology, seeking to advance their academic careers in a leading European research hub.

The University of Cologne, one of Europe's oldest and largest universities, is offering fully funded PhD and Postdoctoral positions in Plant Genomics and Quantitative Genetics within the Institute for Plant Sciences and the Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS). The positions are part of the renowned Crop Evolution group led by Professor Markus Stetter, focusing on evolutionary biology, population genetics, and advanced genomics to understand plant adaptation, evolution, and diversification. Research topics include crop evolution, maize adaptation, betalain pigments, and the genetic mechanisms underlying key plant traits. The group uses integrative approaches combining population genetics, quantitative genetics, comparative genomics, multi-omics datasets, and computational biology. Primary model systems are maize and amaranth, providing insights into domestication, adaptation, and global crop diversity. The University of Cologne offers a collaborative research environment with state-of-the-art facilities, interdisciplinary networks through CEPLAS, and a vibrant international community. The university supports inclusive hiring, equal opportunity initiatives, family-friendly working arrangements, and professional development. Researchers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. PhD Position: The PhD candidate will work on funded projects examining the evolution and adaptation of maize, involving genomic analysis, population and quantitative genetics, project design, scientific writing, and participation in CEPLAS activities. Requirements include a Master's degree in a relevant field, strong background in genetics, experience with omics data, computational skills (Bash, R, Python), and strong English communication skills. The position is a 65% contract until December 2028, with salary based on TV-L 13. Postdoctoral Position: The Postdoc will join an ERC-funded project on the origins and regulatory mechanisms of betalain pigments, involving genomic and multi-omics analysis, genetic modeling, research development, and scientific publishing. Requirements include a PhD in a relevant field, expertise in genetics, experience with omics data, computational proficiency, and excellent English skills. The position is full-time until December 2027, with salary based on TV-L 13. Both positions are fully funded, open to international applicants, and do not require German language proficiency. The application deadline is 14 December 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the University of Cologne job portal. The Crop Evolution group and CEPLAS provide a stimulating environment for research and professional growth in plant genomics, quantitative genetics, and evolutionary biology.

The University of Cologne, one of Europe’s largest and oldest universities, is seeking a motivated PhD student to join the Crop Evolution group at the Institute for Plant Sciences and the Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS). This position focuses on plant genomics and quantitative genetics, with a particular emphasis on the evolution and adaptation of maize. The research group investigates how new traits evolve, the domestication of wild plants into crops, and the global spread of these crops, using advanced population and quantitative genetics approaches. The successful candidate will engage in funded research projects, conducting genomic analyses to uncover the history of adaptive variation in maize. Responsibilities include population genetic and quantitative genetic analysis, contributing to project development, writing and publishing scientific articles, presenting results at conferences, and participating in group meetings and discussions. The research environment is stimulating and collaborative, offering opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research and benefit from extensive advanced training and occupational health management. Applicants should possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as computational biology, evolutionary genetics, or plant breeding. Essential qualifications include a background in population genetics, quantitative genetics, or computational biology, experience with omics data analysis, and computational skills (bash, R, or Python). Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required, along with a keen interest in evolutionary questions and plant research. The position is available immediately and is offered on a part-time basis (65% of full-time), with funding provided according to remuneration group 13 TV-L of the German public sector. The contract is fixed term until 31 December 2028. The University of Cologne is committed to equal opportunities and diversity, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or identity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia. To apply, submit your application online via the University of Cologne job portal, including proof of required qualifications and referencing Wiss2511-21. The application deadline is 14 December 2025. For further inquiries, contact Professor Markus Stetter at [email protected]. More information about the research group can be found at www.cropevolution.org .

The University of Cologne, one of Europe's largest and oldest universities, is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the "Crop Evolution" group at the Institute for Plant Sciences and the Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS). This group investigates the evolution and adaptation of plants, focusing on how new traits emerge, the domestication of wild plants into crops, and the global spread of these crops. The main research models are maize and amaranth, and further information about the group can be found at www.cropevolution.org . This ERC funded postdoc position centers on the study of the origin and regulatory control of betalain pigments in plants. The successful candidate will engage in genomic analysis to understand adaptive variation, apply multi-omics approaches (including single cell analysis), and perform quantitative genetic analysis. Responsibilities include developing project ideas, writing and publishing scientific articles, presenting results at conferences, and participating in group and project meetings. Applicants should possess a PhD in a relevant field such as computational biology, evolutionary genetics, or plant breeding. Essential qualifications include a background in population genetics, quantitative genetics, computational biology or equivalent, experience with omics data analysis, and computational skills (bash, R, or Python). A strong interest in evolutionary questions and plant research, as well as excellent oral and written English communication skills, are required. The University of Cologne offers a stimulating research environment within a highly motivated team, participation in cutting-edge research, and a diverse working environment with equal opportunities. Support for work-life balance, advanced training opportunities, occupational health management, and flexible working time models are provided. The university actively promotes diversity and equal opportunities, welcoming applications from all suitable candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or identity. Women are preferentially considered in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia. The position is available immediately on a full-time basis (39.83 hours per week) and is fixed-term until 31 December 2027. Salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the German public sector, contingent on meeting wage requirements and personal qualifications. The application deadline is 14 December 2025. Applications should be submitted online via the University of Cologne job portal ( application link ), referencing Wiss2511-17 and including proof of required qualifications (no photo). For further inquiries, contact Professor Markus Stetter at [email protected] .