PhD Funded Position in Plant Evolutionary Genomics at Heidelberg University, Germany

Are you interested in plant evolutionary biology, evolutionary genomics, bioinformatics, and genetic diversity? Heidelberg University is offering an exciting PhD position in plant evolutionary genomics as part of the ambitious GreenRobust research environment. The position is based in the Department of Biodiversity and Plant Systematics at the Center for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg University, Germany.

The project explores the concept of disparity as an evolutionary principle of plant robustness, bringing together evolutionary genomics, phenotypic variation, genome evolution, and plant immune receptor biology. The successful candidate will join the research group of Prof. Dr. Marcus Koch and work closely with Dr. Nora Walden and collaborators at the University of Tübingen. The position is available from November 2026, is funded for three years, and is offered at 65% TV-L E13. An extension may be possible.

About the PhD Research Project

The emergence of plant form and function is closely connected to genetic variation. Evolution requires newly generated genetic diversity on which natural selection can act, potentially resulting in new functions, phenotypic variation, and species diversification.

At the macroevolutionary level, chromosome and genome duplications are among the major evolutionary processes that can contribute to the divergent evolution of orthologous and paralogous genes. These processes generate genetic diversity that can ultimately influence variation at multiple levels, from molecular characteristics to plant morphology.

This PhD project will investigate the concepts of diversity and disparity beyond traditional morphological form and function. In particular, the research will examine how these concepts can be applied at the genomic and genetic levels across the Brassicaceae family.

The project builds on previous research concerning evolutionary diversity and disparity, including work published in Nature Communications (Walden et al., 2020, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17605-7). The successful PhD researcher will contribute to a broader interdisciplinary project that connects evolutionary genomics with conceptual research into phenotypic variation across phylogenetic space and different levels of biological complexity.

REVALUTION: Evolutionary Perspectives on Plant Immune Receptors

A major component of the research is the joint project REVALUTION, which aims to re-evaluate ambiguous ligand–receptor interactions within an evolutionary framework and apply concepts of diversity and disparity. Plants depend on pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to detect invading pathogens. Among the most diverse receptor groups are leucine-rich repeat receptor-like proteins (LRR-RLPs), which play important roles in plant immunity.

Research groups at the ZMBP in Tübingen are investigating how genome evolution contributes to the diversification of plant immune receptors and how this diversification affects their ability to recognize different pathogen-derived molecules. The project uses the Arabidopsis receptor RLP30 and the Nicotiana receptor RE02 as important model systems.

Collaborating researchers in Tübingen focus on molecular and functional biology to identify novel Brassicaceae immune receptors and investigate the molecular mechanisms that control ligand recognition and downstream signaling in RLP30/RE02-like receptors. This collaborative structure gives the PhD researcher the opportunity to work across evolutionary genomics, molecular biology, functional biology, and computational approaches.

Research Environment and Collaboration

The PhD candidate will become part of an international and interdisciplinary research environment connecting Heidelberg, Tübingen, and Stuttgart through the GreenRobust network. The project combines several complementary research perspectives, including:

• Evolutionary genomics and genome evolution
• Plant evolutionary biology
• Genetic and functional diversity
• Phenotypic variation and disparity
• Phylogenetic analysis
• Bioinformatics and statistical data analysis
• Plant immune receptor evolution
• Molecular and functional biology

This interdisciplinary approach is particularly suitable for researchers who want to understand plant evolution across multiple biological scales rather than focusing exclusively on morphology, genes, or molecular interactions.

PhD Position Responsibilities

The successful candidate will contribute to research investigating evolutionary patterns of diversity and disparity in plants. Depending on the development of the project, the work will involve computational and evolutionary analyses of genetic and genomic diversity, alongside conceptual investigation of variation across different levels of biological organization.

The position also involves close collaboration with researchers working on plant immune receptors and genome evolution. Therefore, applicants who enjoy interdisciplinary research and collaboration across research groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

Eligibility and Required Qualifications

Applicants should have an excellent Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A strong interest in plant evolutionary biology and genomics
• A thorough understanding of evolutionary biology and related concepts
• Hands-on experience in plant evolutionary biology and/or bioinformatics
• Experience with statistical data analysis
• Ideally, practical experience using R
• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• Strong scientific writing abilities
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary and collaborative research

Candidates with a combination of biological research experience and computational skills are especially well suited to this PhD opportunity.

What the University Offers

The successful applicant will benefit from a stimulating and supportive international research environment. The position provides opportunities to work within an interdisciplinary network while gaining access to advanced research infrastructure.

Key benefits include:

• A collaborative and supportive international research environment
• Integration into the interdisciplinary GreenRobust research network
• Collaboration between research locations in Heidelberg, Tübingen, and Stuttgart
• Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and facilities
• Scientific mentoring and professional development
• Career training and opportunities for academic development
• An interdisciplinary research project combining evolutionary genomics and plant biology

The position is particularly attractive for graduates seeking to build an academic career in plant science, evolutionary genomics, bioinformatics, or related biological disciplines.

Salary, Duration, and Start Date

The PhD position is scheduled to begin in November 2026. The appointment is funded for three years and is offered at 65% TV-L E13, with the possibility of an extension.

Key Details

Detail	Information
Position	PhD Research Position
Research Area	Plant Evolutionary Biology and Genomics
Project	REVALUTION / GreenRobust
Institution	Heidelberg University
Department	Department of Biodiversity and Plant Systematics
Research Center	Center for Organismal Studies (COS)
Main Supervisor	Prof. Dr. Marcus Koch
Collaborator	Dr. Nora Walden
Location	Heidelberg, Germany, with collaboration in Tübingen
Start Date	November 2026
Duration	3 years
Funding	65% TV-L E13
Extension	Possible
Degree Required	Excellent Master’s degree
Eligible Backgrounds	Biology, Biochemistry, or related disciplines
Application Deadline	9 October 2026
Application Format	One single PDF
Interview	Online meeting via ZOOM

Life in Heidelberg and Tübingen

The research project is connected to two of Germany’s renowned university towns, Heidelberg and Tübingen. Both locations provide an international academic atmosphere, strong research communities, and a historic setting. Heidelberg is particularly well known as a university city and offers a combination of scientific infrastructure, cultural attractions, and a high quality of life. Collaboration with researchers in Tübingen further expands the academic environment available to the successful candidate.

Equal Opportunities and Diversity

Heidelberg University is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. The university particularly encourages qualified women to apply. Applicants with severe disabilities will receive preferential consideration in cases of equal qualification, in accordance with German law. This PhD opportunity is a strong fit for graduates who want to investigate fundamental questions in plant evolution using modern genomic and computational approaches. The project goes beyond a conventional study of plant morphology by connecting genetic diversity, genome evolution, phenotypic disparity, phylogeny, and plant immune receptor function.

Working within the GreenRobust network also offers the opportunity to collaborate across institutions and disciplines. For researchers planning a career in academia, evolutionary biology, plant genomics, or bioinformatics, the position provides valuable research experience, scientific mentoring, and access to an international research network. If your academic background combines a strong interest in plant evolution with experience in genomics, bioinformatics, or statistical analysis, this PhD position at Heidelberg University could provide an excellent environment for developing your research career.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare their application as one single PDF file. The application must contain:

• A non-AI letter of motivation
• All relevant academic certificates
• A summary of previous research experience
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• Contact details for two academic referees
• Applications must be submitted by 9 October 2026.
• Please send the complete application as a single PDF by email to: Prof. Dr. Marcus Koch marcus.koch@cos.uni-heidelberg.de & Dr. Nora Walden nora.walden@cos.uni-heidelberg.de

Application screening will begin on 10 October 2026 and will continue until the position has been filled. Shortlisted candidates should be prepared to participate in an online meeting via ZOOM.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the research topic of this PhD position?

The PhD project investigates disparity as an evolutionary principle of plant robustness, with a focus on genetic and genomic diversity, genome evolution, phenotypic variation, and plant immune receptor diversification across the Brassicaceae family.

Where is the PhD position based?

The primary location is Heidelberg, Germany, at Heidelberg University’s Center for Organismal Studies. The project also involves close collaboration with research groups and partners in Tübingen.

When does the PhD position start?

The position is available from November 2026.

How long is the PhD funding?

The position is funded for three years, with the possibility of an extension.

What salary is offered?

The position is funded at 65% TV-L E13.

What degree do I need to apply?

Applicants should hold an excellent Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.

Is bioinformatics experience required?

The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience in plant evolutionary biology and bioinformatics, as well as statistical data analysis skills. Experience with R is particularly desirable.

What documents are required?

Applicants must submit one single PDF containing a non-AI letter of motivation, relevant certificates, a summary of previous research experience, a CV, and contact details for two academic referees.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 9 October 2026. Screening begins on 10 October 2026 and continues until the position is filled.

Will there be an interview?

Shortlisted applicants should be prepared for an online meeting via ZOOM.