Karl Schmid

The LEAP project, part of the Cluster of Excellence GreenRobust, is recruiting 2 PhD students and 1 Postdoc to investigate plant robustness across scales, focusing on trade-offs and synergies among robustness traits for population stability. The research spans molecular, physiological, and biomechanical mechanisms of plant robustness to environmental perturbations such as drought, heat, and pathogen attack. The project is a collaboration among University of Hohenheim, University of Tübingen, and Heidelberg University, offering a world-class interdisciplinary research environment. PhD positions are available in Plant Evolutionary Ecology and Molecular Plant Science, supervised by leading academics including Karl Schmid, Oliver Bossdorf, Detlef Weigel, Kasper van Gelderen, Gabriella Mosca, Waltraud Schulze, and Katja Tielbörger. The Postdoc position is in Plant Evolutionary Ecology, with a coordinating role to prepare for a future PI position. All positions are fully funded for three years (TVL E13, PhD at 65%, Postdoc at 100%) and provide access to extensive networks, training, and facilities within the GreenRobust Cluster. Applicants should have relevant degrees (Master’s for PhD, PhD for Postdoc) and experience in experimental design, greenhouse studies, biostatistical analyses, genetics, molecular plant biology, biomechanics, and scientific writing. Candidates must excel in interdisciplinary and collaborative work, be quick learners, flexible thinkers, and passionate about plant science and academia. Disabled candidates are given preference. To apply, send a single PDF including a letter of interest, teaching and research concept, CV, and list of publications to [email protected]. Two letters of reference must be sent independently. Clearly indicate the position in your PDF file name. The deadline is April 15, 2026, with positions starting July 1, 2026. For more information, contact Prof. Karl Schmid ([email protected]), Dr. Kasper van Gelderen ([email protected]), or Katja Tielbörger ([email protected]).