Introduction
The Institute of Phytopathology at Kiel University (Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, CAU) is inviting applications for two fully funded PhD student positions (m/f/d) in Plant Pathology, within the newly established BMFTR research group led by Dr. Farooq Ahmad.
The positions focus on assisted migration of forest trees under climate change, combining omics, plant–pathogen interactions, population genetics, and abiotic stress research. The anticipated start date is March 2026, with flexibility for a later start.
Research Focus: Assisted Migration of Trees Under Climate Change
Climate change is increasingly threatening forest ecosystems by altering growth conditions and pathogen pressure. These PhD projects aim to:
- Test whether oak trees from warmer regions (e.g. Spain) can be successfully established in Northern Germany
- Understand the genetic basis of adaptation to:
- Fungal pathogens
- Abiotic stress (e.g. temperature, drought)
- Use modern omics, molecular, genomic, and phenotypic approaches to study adaptation during migration and establishment
The research directly addresses urgent challenges in forest resilience, climate adaptation, and plant pathology.
Position Details
- Positions: 2 PhD Students (m/f/d)
- Institution: Institute of Phytopathology, Kiel University (CAU), Germany
- Funding: 3 years, with possibility of extension
- Employment level: 65% of full-time (≈ 25.2 hours/week)
- Salary: TV-L E13 (German public sector pay scale)
- Enrollment: PhD candidates will be enrolled at Kiel University and part of the CAU Graduate School
- Start date: March 2026 (flexible)
Key Responsibilities
PhD students will:
- Conduct independent research on:
- Adaptation of oak species to fungal pathogens and abiotic stress
- Publish results in international peer-reviewed journals
- Present findings at national and international conferences
- Support BSc and MSc student projects and supervise student assistants
- Participate in:
- Lab meetings
- Departmental seminars
- Collaborative research activities
- Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and productive lab environment
Required Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- MSc (or equivalent) in Biology, Agricultural Sciences, Forestry, or a related field
- Hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology
- Fundamental understanding of:
- Plant phenotyping or
- Field experimentation
- Strong motivation to work on plants and plant pathogens
- Interest in:
- Fieldwork
- Greenhouse experiments
- Host–pathogen assays
- Excellent English skills (C1 level) – written and spoken
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Desirable (Advantageous) Skills
- Experience with fungal–plant systems
- Familiarity with sequencing data analysis
- Knowledge of population genetics
- Willingness to travel within Germany and to Spain for fieldwork
What Kiel University Offers
- Opportunity to help build a new research group as a founding member
- Collaborative, international research environment
- Access to:
- State-of-the-art molecular laboratories
- Modern greenhouses and growth chambers
- High-performance computing resources
- Professional development through:
- CAU Graduate School seminars and courses
- National and international conferences and workshops
- Attractive location:
- Kiel, a vibrant coastal city on the Baltic Sea, offering high quality of life, excellent infrastructure, and diverse recreational opportunities
Equality & Diversity Statement
Kiel University is a modern, inclusive, and cosmopolitan employer. Applications are welcomed regardless of:
- Age
- Gender
- Cultural or social background
- Religion or worldview
- Disability or sexual identity
The university:
- Strongly encourages women to apply
- Gives preference to equally qualified women
- Actively supports applications from people with disabilities and international backgrounds
Please do not submit application photos.
How to Apply
Application Deadline
📅 6 February 2026
Submit as a single PDF including:
- Cover letter (1–2 pages) explaining motivation and relevant experience
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copies of BSc and MSc degree certificates (or equivalent)
- Contact details of two academic references
- 📧 Send applications to: info@phytomed.uni-kiel.de
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
All documents will be deleted after completion of the recruitment process.
Informal Inquiries
Questions about the positions or projects can be directed to:
Dr. Farooq Ahmad
📧 f.ahmad@phytomed.uni-kiel.de Project information: https://www.uni-kiel.de/en/research/excellence/details/news/213-ahmad-bmftr
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