PhD in Process-Based Crop Modelling of Biotic–Abiotic Stress Interactions in Maize University of Göttingen in Germany

The Division of Tropical Plant Production and Agricultural Systems Modelling (TROPAGS) at the University of Göttingen is offering a four-year PhD scholarship focused on process-based crop modelling of biotic–abiotic stress interactions in maize. This opportunity is part of the DFG-funded Research Unit MultiStress, which investigates how maize responds to multiple, interacting abiotic (e.g., drought, nitrogen deficit) and biotic (e.g., Setosphaeria turcica) stress factors. The project aims to improve understanding and prediction of crop performance under complex stress environments and future climate scenarios.

The PhD project will extend and apply the MultiStress crop model to simulate disease impacts on maize physiology, growth, yield, and stress interactions. Main tasks include developing new routines for disease effects, integrating and testing these within the model, calibrating and validating with field data, and analyzing outputs to explore joint effects of biotic and abiotic stresses. Collaboration with other subprojects and publishing in international journals are expected.

Applicants should have a Master's degree in Crop Science, Agronomy, Agricultural or Environmental Sciences, Plant Pathology, Systems Biology, or related fields. Required skills include programming and data analysis (R or Python), experience with process-based models, and strong English communication. The position is open to talented East African students and supports interdisciplinary, international research collaboration.

Funding is provided for four years, supporting research and living costs. To apply, send a single PDF (motivation letter, CV, certificates) to Professor Reimund Rötter at [email protected] by January 4, 2026.

Key academic keywords: crop modelling, maize, biotic stress, abiotic stress, plant pathology, agronomy, systems biology, environmental sciences, process-based models, data analysis.