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University of Rostock
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PhD or Habilitation Research Associate in Agroentomology: Drought Stress, Aphid Behavior and Plant Virus Spread University of Rostock in Germany
Degree Level
PhD, Postdoc
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
A fixed-term, part-time employment contract for three years is offered at 20 hours per week, paid at grade 13 TV-L. The position includes the associated employee benefits listed by the University of Rostock, including annual leave, a special annual payment and occupational pension provision. Application and travel expenses cannot be covered.
Deadline
Nov 15, 2026
Country
Germany
University
University of Rostock
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About this position
The University of Rostock’s Chair of Phytopathology and Sustainable Plant Protection is seeking a research associate in agroentomology to investigate how drought stress affects aphid behavior, population development and the spread of plant viruses.
The project compares drought-resistant and drought-susceptible plant varieties. It examines how water stress changes aphid feeding behavior and host suitability, and how these changes may influence aphid migration and the epidemiology of persistent plant viruses in crops.
The researcher will use electropenetrography (EPG) to analyze aphid probing and sucking behavior in real time. The work also includes laboratory behavioral experiments and epidemiological studies in large field cages, or mesocosms, to assess interactions among plants, aphids and viruses under controlled conditions. Molecular methods, including RT-qPCR, will be used to quantify viral loads.
The position combines experimental research with scientific qualification toward a doctorate or habilitation. It also offers experience in agricultural entomology teaching, including exercises, practical sessions and field visits designed to help students develop independent scientific skills. The researcher will participate in examinations, contribute to scientific and public events, support organizational activities and publish findings in scientific journals.
The chair studies insect pests, pathogens and weeds, as well as preventive physical, biological and chemical crop-protection strategies. Its research emphasizes the effects of abiotic stressors such as drought on crop–pest interactions. The newly established chair is a small team with open communication, close working relationships and opportunities for researchers to contribute ideas and help shape the working environment.
Funding details
A fixed-term, part-time employment contract for three years is offered at 20 hours per week, paid at grade 13 TV-L. The position includes the associated employee benefits listed by the University of Rostock, including annual leave, a special annual payment and occupational pension provision. Application and travel expenses cannot be covered.
What's required
Applicants must hold a completed scientific university degree (state examination, Diplom, Master's degree or equivalent) in biology, agricultural sciences or a related field. For qualification toward habilitation, a completed doctorate in one of these fields is required. Applicants should have very good knowledge of entomology, especially plant-insect interactions and aphid biology, and practical experience with insect rearing, EPG, choice experiments, PCR and statistical data analysis in R, including GLMs and GLMMs. Excellent spoken and written English is required. Basic German or willingness to acquire it quickly is required; good German is advantageous because teaching is mainly in German. Applicants should be willing to work seriously and actively toward their own academic qualification and demonstrate independence, flexibility, responsibility, strong performance, teamwork and communication skills.
How to apply
Submit a complete application consisting of a cover letter, CV, degree certificate including the final grade, and a maximum one-page motivation letter explaining your interest and relevant prior knowledge. Apply only through the University of Rostock homepage using the “Online-Bewerbung” button; email applications are not accepted.
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