Postdoctoral Researcher Job in Molecular Ecology of Forest Trees at the University of Freiburg, Germany
The University of Freiburg is inviting applications for an exciting Postdoctoral Researcher position in Molecular Ecology of Forest Trees within its prestigious Excellence Cluster Future Forests. This fully funded three-year research opportunity is ideal for scientists with expertise in forest genetics, plant molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics who wish to contribute to cutting-edge research addressing forest adaptation under global environmental change.
The successful candidate will begin on October 1, 2026, and will play a key role in investigating the molecular mechanisms that enable forest trees to develop resilience and memory against environmental stress.
Position Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Ecology of Forest Trees |
| Institution | University of Freiburg |
| Research Center | Excellence Cluster Future Forests |
| Location | Freiburg, Germany |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Contract Duration | 3 Years |
| Salary Scale | TV-L 13 |
| Application Deadline | June 30, 2026 |
| Start Date | October 1, 2026 |
| Reference Number | 00005010 |
About the Research Project
Forests worldwide are increasingly exposed to climate-related stressors such as drought, extreme temperatures, pests, and diseases. Understanding how trees respond and adapt to these challenges is critical for maintaining healthy and resilient forest ecosystems.
This project focuses on uncovering the molecular basis of:
- Stress resilience
- Stress memory
- Epigenetic regulation
- Adaptive responses to environmental change
The research will investigate two ecologically and economically important tree species:
Douglas Fir
Douglas fir trees will be exposed to:
- Heat and drought stress
- Pathogenic fungal infections
Sessile Oak
Sessile oak populations will be studied under:
- Oak lace bug infestations
- Environmental stress conditions
The ultimate goal is to identify molecular mechanisms that allow trees to “remember” stress events and improve their resilience to future challenges.
Key Scientific Focus Areas
The project will explore several advanced areas of molecular ecology and forest genetics, including:
DNA Methylation
Investigating epigenetic modifications that influence gene regulation and stress responses.
Histone Modifications
Understanding chromatin-level changes associated with stress adaptation and memory.
Gene Expression Analysis
Examining how genes are activated or suppressed under different environmental conditions.
Protein Folding Mechanisms
Studying molecular processes that help maintain cellular function during stress exposure.
Forest Tree Priming
Exploring how prior exposure to stress can improve future resilience in forest species.
The Excellence Cluster Future Forests
The Excellence Cluster Future Forests is one of Germany’s leading interdisciplinary research initiatives focused on the future of forests in a rapidly changing world.
Supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG), the cluster brings together:
- More than 50 researchers
- Four university faculties
- Multiple non-university research institutions
- International scientific collaborators
Research within the cluster addresses the complex interactions between forests, ecosystems, climate change, and society.
The successful postdoctoral researcher will contribute to this internationally recognized research environment with exceptional opportunities for collaboration and professional development.
Research Collaborations
The position is closely connected with several leading research groups at the University of Freiburg.
Forest Genetics Group
The project will be anchored within the Professorship of Forest Genetics.
Plant Environmental Signalling and Development
Collaboration with the research group led by Junior Professor Sjon Hartman.
Molecular Plant Physiology
Collaboration with the research team led by Professor Jürgen Kleine-Vehn.
These partnerships provide access to extensive expertise in plant biology, genetics, molecular signaling, and ecological adaptation.
Main Responsibilities
The successful candidate will undertake a combination of laboratory research, bioinformatics, project coordination, and academic leadership activities.
Research Activities
- Conduct independent research in forest genetics and molecular plant sciences
- Develop experimental approaches to investigate stress resilience in trees
- Generate and analyze molecular datasets
- Design and coordinate greenhouse and Ecotron experiments
Laboratory Techniques
The position involves extensive wet-lab work, including:
- DNA extraction
- RNA extraction
- CUT&Tag experiments
- RNA sequencing (RNA-seq)
- Library preparation for next-generation sequencing
Bioinformatics and Data Analysis
Applicants should be comfortable working with large-scale genomic datasets, including:
- RNA-seq analysis
- Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS)
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) pipelines
- Statistical and computational analysis
Academic Leadership
Additional responsibilities include:
- Supervising graduate and undergraduate students
- Coordinating research activities involving doctoral researchers
- Contributing to scientific publications
- Presenting findings at international conferences
- Writing progress reports and research articles
Candidate Requirements
The University of Freiburg seeks highly motivated researchers with strong expertise in molecular plant sciences and genomics.
Essential Qualifications
Applicants should possess:
- Master’s degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in Biology, Forest Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or a related discipline
- PhD in Forest Genetics, Plant Molecular Sciences, or a closely related field
- Experience with molecular laboratory techniques
- Expertise in bioinformatics and sequencing data analysis
- Strong plant experimental research skills
- Excellent English communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Additional advantages include:
- Scientific publication experience
- Project coordination experience
- Experience supervising students
- Knowledge of epigenetic and genomic analysis methods
- Experience with large-scale sequencing datasets
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a highly competitive employment package under the German public sector pay scale.
What the University Offers
- Three-year full-time contract
- Salary according to TV-L 13
- Dedicated project budget
- Funding for professional development
- Conference travel support
- International networking opportunities
- Flexible working arrangements
- Structured career mentoring
- Access to world-class research infrastructure
Researchers will also benefit from the collaborative and interdisciplinary culture of the Excellence Cluster Future Forests.
Why Apply for This Position?
This postdoctoral position provides a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of:
- Forest Genetics
- Molecular Ecology
- Climate Change Research
- Epigenetics
- Bioinformatics
- Plant Molecular Biology
Researchers interested in addressing major environmental challenges while advancing their academic careers will find this position particularly attractive.
Application Process
Applicants must submit their application in English through the online application portal APPLY NOW.
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic Certificates and Transcripts
- Contact Information for Two Scientific Referees
- Publication List (if applicable)
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Application Deadline | June 30, 2026 |
| Position Start Date | October 1, 2026 |
| Contract Duration | 3 Years |
Contact Information
For scientific inquiries regarding the position, applicants may contact:
Prof. Dr. Katrin Heer
University of Freiburg
Telephone: +49 761 203-3647
Email: katrin.heer@forgen.uni-freiburg.de
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a fully funded postdoctoral position?
Yes. The position is fully funded for three years and includes salary under the German TV-L 13 pay scale.
What is the duration of the contract?
The appointment is for three years.
Which tree species are studied in this project?
The project focuses on Douglas fir and sessile oak.
What molecular techniques will be used?
Researchers will work with DNA/RNA extraction, RNA-seq, CUT&Tag, next-generation sequencing, and epigenetic analysis methods.
Is bioinformatics experience required?
Yes. Applicants should have experience analyzing sequencing datasets, including RNA-seq and other NGS-based approaches.
Can international researchers apply?
Yes. Applications are welcomed from qualified candidates worldwide.
Is prior publication experience necessary?
While not mandatory, publication experience is considered a strong advantage.
Will the postdoctoral researcher supervise students?
Yes. The role includes supporting and supervising graduate and undergraduate students.
What salary level is offered?
The position is funded according to the German public-sector salary scale TV-L 13.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026.
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