2 Postdoctoral Positions in Plant Breeding with Quantitative Genetics at the University of Göttingen, Germany
Researchers looking to advance their careers in plant genetics, crop improvement, and data-driven breeding have an excellent opportunity to join one of Germany’s leading research universities. The University of Göttingen is currently accepting applications for two full-time Postdoctoral positions in Plant Breeding with a focus on Quantitative Genetics.
These three-year research positions offer the opportunity to work on cutting-edge genomic selection, quantitative genetics, and wheat breeding while collaborating with experienced plant breeders and international researchers. If your background includes crop science, plant biology, agricultural sciences, genetics, bioinformatics, or related disciplines, this opportunity is worth serious consideration.
Position Overview
| Position | Postdoctoral Researcher |
|---|---|
| Number of Positions | 2 |
| Research Area | Plant Breeding and Quantitative Genetics |
| Institution | University of Göttingen |
| Department | DNPW – Plant Breeding Methodology |
| Employment Type | Full-time (100%) |
| Working Hours | 39.8 hours per week |
| Contract Duration | 3 Years |
| Salary | TV-L E13 |
| Location | Göttingen, Germany |
| Starting Date | As soon as possible |
| Application Deadline | 7 July 2026 |
About the Opportunity
The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Göttingen is seeking highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to join its Plant Breeding Methodology Division. The project focuses on applying quantitative genetics, genomics, and advanced data analysis to improve wheat breeding. Researchers will work with extensive phenotypic and genotypic datasets while developing innovative genomic prediction models for important agricultural traits.
This position combines genetics, statistics, computational biology, and practical breeding applications, providing valuable real-world research experience. The University of Göttingen offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers seeking to expand their expertise in quantitative genetics, genomic selection, and modern plant breeding. With a fully funded three-year appointment, access to advanced breeding resources, and collaboration with experienced scientists, this postdoctoral position provides an excellent platform for building a successful international research career.
Candidates with strong quantitative, computational, and biological research backgrounds are encouraged to submit their applications before the July 7, 2026 deadline.
Research Responsibilities
Successful candidates will contribute to several exciting research activities. These include:
- Mining large-scale genotypic and phenotypic datasets.
- Studying genotype-by-environment interactions.
- Investigating disease resistance and agronomic traits in wheat.
- Developing genomic selection models.
- Validating prediction models using breeding populations.
- Working with genetic resources from both genebanks and breeding programs.
- Collaborating closely with professional plant breeders.
- Applying biometric and quantitative genetic approaches to real breeding challenges.
Researchers will gain hands-on experience in translating advanced genomic research into practical plant breeding strategies.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should possess a doctoral degree in one of the following or closely related fields:
- Crop Science
- Agricultural Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Plant Pathology
- Systems Biology
- Plant Genetics
- Plant Breeding
- Related biological or agricultural disciplines
Candidates should also demonstrate:
- Strong interest in quantitative genetics.
- Knowledge of plant physiology and genotype-environment interactions.
- Understanding of crop diseases and pest biology.
- Programming skills using R or Python.
- Experience with data analysis and statistical modeling.
- Excellent English communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within interdisciplinary international teams.
Preferred Skills
Although not mandatory, experience in the following areas will strengthen an application:
- Genomic prediction models
- Genomic selection
- Process-based crop models
- Experimental field datasets
- Parameter estimation
- Machine learning applications in agriculture
- Big data analytics
- Statistical genetics
Why This Postdoctoral Position Stands Out
This project offers considerably more than a traditional research appointment. Researchers will have the opportunity to:
- Work on internationally relevant crop improvement research.
- Gain practical experience with modern breeding programs.
- Collaborate directly with professional wheat breeders.
- Access valuable genetic resources from breeding material and genebanks.
- Publish high-impact scientific research.
- Develop expertise in genomic selection and quantitative genetics.
- Build an international academic network.
For researchers planning future careers in academia, government research institutes, or agricultural biotechnology, this position provides outstanding professional development.
Salary and Employment
The successful candidates will be employed under the German public sector salary system:
- Salary Scale: TV-L E13
- Employment: 100% Full-Time
- Weekly Hours: 39.8
- Contract Length: Three Years
Employment begins as soon as suitable candidates are selected.
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
The University of Göttingen is committed to creating an inclusive academic environment. Applications from women are strongly encouraged, particularly in areas where women remain underrepresented.
The university also supports employees in balancing family and professional responsibilities and welcomes applications from individuals with disabilities. Candidates with severe disabilities will receive preferential consideration where qualifications are equal.
Application Process
Interested applicants should prepare a single PDF containing all required application documents. Applications must be submitted via email before the deadline. Application Email: plantbreeding@gwdg.de & Application Deadline 7 July 2026 Late applications may not be considered.
Contact Information
Academic Contact Prof. Dr. Aakash Chawade Email:
aakash.chawade@uni-goettingen.de Telephone: +49 551 3924362
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this a fully funded postdoctoral position?
Yes. The positions are full-time salaried appointments under Germany’s TV-L E13 public sector pay scale.
How many positions are available?
There are two postdoctoral vacancies available.
What is the contract duration?
The appointment is for three years.
Which research area does the project focus on?
The research centers on plant breeding, quantitative genetics, genomic selection, wheat improvement, and genotype-by-environment interactions.
Is experience in programming required?
Yes. Applicants should have strong programming and data analysis skills, particularly using R or Python.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. Qualified applicants from around the world are encouraged to submit applications.
Is prior experience in genomic prediction mandatory?
No. While experience with genomic prediction models and process-based modeling is advantageous, it is not listed as a mandatory requirement.
What degree is required?
Applicants must hold a PhD in Crop Science, Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Plant Pathology, Systems Biology, Plant Genetics, or another closely related discipline.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted no later than 7 July 2026.
Where is the position located?
The positions are based at the University of Göttingen in Göttingen, Germany.
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