12 Postdoctoral Research Associates in Plant Sciences (CEPLAS Cluster) University of Cologne in Germany

The Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS) is offering 12 postdoctoral research associate positions based at the University of Cologne and partner institutions in Düsseldorf, Jülich, and Gatersleben. These positions are part of a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research environment focused on innovative strategies for sustainable plant production. CEPLAS is a joint initiative involving Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU), University of Cologne (UoC), Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research Cologne (MPIPZ), Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), and Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK) Gatersleben.

Successful candidates will join projects spanning molecular plant sciences, genetics, quantitative biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, microbiology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and soil science. Research topics include photosynthetic traits in barley, gene regulatory networks, plant-associated microbial communities, fungal pathogen dynamics, immunometabolic strategies, microfluidics for root–microbe interactions, foundation models for gene regulation, synthetic bioprinted tissues, multiscale modeling of leaf photosynthesis, carbon allocation strategies, and centromere elimination. Each project is led by distinguished supervisors from CEPLAS partner institutions.

Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant field (preferably awarded within the past 2–3 years) or be near completion, with their doctoral thesis submitted by the end of the selection process. High proficiency in English, strong motivation for scientific research, and excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills are essential. Candidates should be eager to contribute to a diverse academic community and actively plan their next career step.

CEPLAS offers state-of-the-art laboratories, comprehensive training programs tailored to early career researchers, and qualification positions under the Act on Fixed-Term Employment Contracts in Academia (WissZeitVG). The three-year postdoctoral contracts provide competitive pay (up to grade 13 TV-L or TVöD-Bund, depending on institution and qualifications) and access to advanced research facilities. The place of employment is determined by the chosen research project.

Applications are accepted exclusively via the HHU application portal. Required documents include a motivation letter (specifying up to two projects and your qualifications), CV and publication list, contact information for two references, and previous degree certificates. Applicants nearing completion of their PhD must provide information about their thesis submission timeline. All participating institutions are equal opportunity and family-friendly employers, committed to gender equality and diversity. Applications from women and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

The application deadline is May 31, 2026. For further information about CEPLAS and the available projects, visit www.ceplas.eu. For questions regarding the postdoc program, contact Juliane Schmid at [email protected].