PhD Positions in Sustainable Biocontrol & Lipopeptides for Agricultural Fungal Disease Management University of Hohenheim in Germany

The Department of Bioprocess Engineering at the University of Hohenheim is offering two fully funded PhD positions as part of the international UKUDLA program, focusing on sustainable biocontrol and the discovery, production, and evaluation of novel microbial lipopeptides for agricultural fungal disease management. The research integrates metagenomic discovery, synthetic biology, microbial engineering, and bioprocess development to identify eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides, with a strong emphasis on sustainable agriculture and biocontrol.

PhD Position 1 is open to German-linked candidates (German passport holders or those with an unlimited residence permit for Germany), while PhD Position 2 targets South African or African-linked candidates. Both positions involve international collaboration, with research activities based in South Africa and a 6-month exchange at the University of Hohenheim in Germany. The project includes cloning and heterologous expression (e.g., Bacillus, Pseudomonas), bioproduction, purification, characterization of lipopeptides, and antifungal testing against crop pathogens.

The UKUDLA Centre of Excellence for Food Systems and Data Science, funded by the DAAD and German federal ministries, aims to develop expertise in sustainable and resilient food systems and applied data science. Successful candidates will enroll at the University of Hohenheim and be based at one of the network's institutions in South Africa or Malawi, such as the University of the Western Cape, University of Mpumalanga, University of Pretoria, or Lilongwe University of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. The program offers a comprehensive training environment, including educational modules, workshops, and summer schools.

Funding includes a monthly stipend of approximately €1,800 for South Africa/Malawi (reduced to €1,300/month during time in Germany for German-linked candidates), travel and flight costs, and additional research funds. Medical aid contributions and rent subsidies may apply for African candidates. The scholarship duration is 36 months, with a possible 6-month extension. The application deadline is February 6, 2026.

Eligibility requirements include a master's degree in a relevant discipline (food systems, agriculture, biology, or data science) with above average results, strong academic and communication skills, motivation, and English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 90/IELTS 6.5 for German-linked; TOEFL 79/80 or IELTS 6 for African-linked). Applicants must not have started a doctoral degree and must be prepared for full-time study. Application materials include a cover letter, project proposal, CV, degree certificates, transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and academic references. For more information and to apply, visit the provided links.

Research topics include sustainable agriculture, biocontrol, lipopeptides, metagenomics, synthetic biology, microbial engineering, and food systems data science. The program is ideal for candidates interested in agricultural innovation, microbial natural products, and interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biology, agriculture, and environmental science.