PhD Funded Position in Sheep Immunology at the University of Hohenheim, Germany

The University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart, Germany, is inviting applications for a fully research-focused PhD position in Sheep Immunology within the Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock. The doctoral project focuses on host immune responses to gastrointestinal nematode infections in grazing sheep and aims to improve understanding of disease resistance and sustainable livestock breeding.

This PhD opportunity is particularly suitable for graduates with a background in Animal Science, Agricultural Biology, Veterinary Science, Biological Sciences, Immunology, Microbiology, Life Sciences, or a closely related discipline. Candidates with practical experience in immunological or molecular biology techniques and statistical data analysis are encouraged to apply, although previous experience in every listed method is not essential.

The position is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027, and will be based at the University of Hohenheim’s green campus in Stuttgart-Hohenheim, Germany. The appointment is offered at 65% of full-time employment, with remuneration according to E13 TV-L, and is fixed-term until December 31, 2029. The application deadline is October 15, 2026.

PhD Research Project: Sheep Immunology and Gastrointestinal Nematode Infections

The Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock conducts research into animal behavior, health, welfare, and performance. The advertised doctoral project addresses an important challenge in sustainable sheep production: understanding why some grazing sheep are more resistant than others to gastrointestinal nematode infections.

The PhD researcher will investigate the immunological defense mechanisms underlying resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. The project will combine immunological measurements with parasitological and health-related indicators to develop a more comprehensive picture of host resistance.

An important component of the research is interdisciplinary collaboration with the Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding. Immune-related traits will be examined alongside parasitological and health data to identify potential biomarkers that could support sustainable breeding strategies. The research therefore sits at the intersection of animal health, immunology, parasitology, livestock production, genetics, and sustainable breeding. It offers an opportunity for an early-career researcher to contribute to applied agricultural and veterinary research while developing advanced scientific and analytical skills.

Key Details of the PhD Position

Details	Information
Position	PhD Candidate – Sheep Immunology
Research focus	Host immune responses to gastrointestinal nematode infections
Department	Department of Behavioral Physiology of Livestock
Institution	University of Hohenheim
Location	Stuttgart-Hohenheim, Germany
Start date	January 1, 2027
Application deadline	October 15, 2026
Reference code	2026/86
Employment scope	65%
Salary	E13 TV-L
Contract	Fixed-term until December 31, 2029
Degree requirement	Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline
Working language	English; German is an advantage

What Will the PhD Candidate Do?

The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing, implementing, and supervising a range of immunological methods used to assess immune competence in sheep. Depending on the research requirements, techniques may include ELISA, flow cytometry/FACS, and PCR. The position also involves participation in field-based research. This includes field sampling, sample processing, and sample management, providing the PhD researcher with experience connecting laboratory analyses with real-world livestock health conditions.

Because the project is interdisciplinary, the doctoral researcher will work closely with colleagues in Animal Genetics and Breeding. The collaboration will focus on evaluating immunological traits and their potential relevance to breeding applications.

Another important part of the role will be scientific data analysis and communication. The researcher will conduct statistical analyses, prepare research findings for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and present results at national and international conferences. This makes the position valuable for candidates who want to build a strong academic research profile.

Eligibility and Candidate Profile

Applicants should hold an MSc degree or equivalent qualification in Animal Science, Agricultural Biology, Veterinary Science, Biological Sciences, Immunology, Microbiology, Life Sciences, or a related subject. Previous practical experience with immunological techniques such as ELISA, flow cytometry, or molecular biology methods is desirable. Experience with statistical data analysis is also beneficial. However, the university states that these skills are desirable rather than essential, making the position potentially suitable for motivated graduates who have a strong scientific foundation and are eager to develop additional laboratory and analytical expertise.

The successful applicant should demonstrate strong motivation for goal-oriented scientific research and have an interest in interdisciplinary collaboration. Since the project includes fieldwork as well as laboratory and computational activities, adaptability and an interest in working across different research environments will be important. Good written and spoken English skills are required for the position. Knowledge of German is considered an advantage but is not mandatory.

Why Consider This PhD at the University of Hohenheim?

The University of Hohenheim offers a research environment that brings together the Faculties of Agricultural Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Business, Economics and Social Sciences. Its green campus is designed to encourage close collaboration between researchers, students, and academic departments.

The university highlights a working environment that combines scientific responsibility with opportunities for creativity and professional development. Employees can benefit from flexible working arrangements, including flexible working hours and remote working options, as well as opportunities for personal and professional development.

Other benefits highlighted for this position include a good work-life balance, health support, university sports, a job ticket, and a JobBike option. The position also offers a multifaceted research role in which the successful candidate can contribute to a project with relevance to animal health and sustainable livestock production. For researchers interested in an academic career, the combination of laboratory research, fieldwork, statistical analysis, scientific publications, conference presentations, and interdisciplinary collaboration can provide valuable experience for future research positions.

Research Environment in Stuttgart-Hohenheim

The PhD position is located at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart-Hohenheim, Germany. The university’s distinctive profile combines agricultural sciences with natural sciences and social sciences, creating opportunities for interdisciplinary research.

The campus environment is particularly relevant to this project because research in livestock health and agricultural sustainability benefits from interaction between different scientific disciplines. The collaboration between Behavioral Physiology of Livestock and Animal Genetics and Breeding reflects this interdisciplinary approach. For international applicants, the position may also provide an opportunity to develop an academic career within Germany while working in an internationally oriented research environment.

Equal Opportunities and Diversity

The University of Hohenheim emphasizes equal opportunities and diversity and states that applicants are considered based on their skills and strengths regardless of age, gender, origin, or religion. Applicants with severe disabilities or equivalent status are welcome to apply. Where candidates are equally suitable, the university states that applicants with severe disabilities will receive preferential consideration.

How to Apply for the PhD Position

Interested candidates should submit their application through APPLY NOW before the stated deadline. The application deadline is October 15, 2026, and the planned start date is January 1, 2027. Applicants should carefully review the official vacancy information and ensure that their application demonstrates their academic qualifications, research interests, relevant laboratory or analytical experience, and motivation for working on sheep immunology and sustainable livestock research. For questions about the position, applicants can contact the Head of Department, Volker Stefanski, volker.stefanski@uni-hohenheim.de

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the research topic of this PhD position?

The PhD project focuses on sheep immunology and host immune responses to gastrointestinal nematode infections. The research aims to understand immune mechanisms associated with resistance to these infections in grazing sheep.

2. Where is the PhD position located?

The position is based at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart-Hohenheim, Germany.

3. When does the PhD position start?

The planned starting date is January 1, 2027.

4. What is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted by October 15, 2026.

5. What degree is required?

Applicants should have an MSc degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field such as Animal Science, Agricultural Biology, Veterinary Science, Biological Sciences, Immunology, Microbiology, Life Sciences, or a related discipline.

6. Is previous immunology experience required?

Practical experience with techniques such as ELISA, flow cytometry, molecular biology, and statistical data analysis is desirable, but the vacancy indicates that it is not essential.

7. Is German required?

No. Good written and spoken English skills are required, while knowledge of German is an advantage but not mandatory.

8. What is the salary for the PhD position?

The position offers remuneration according to E13 TV-L and has an employment scope of 65%.

9. How long is the PhD contract?

The position is fixed-term and runs until December 31, 2029.