Job Description

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region.


Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne


make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in


science, technology, and administration.



The “Crop Evolution” group at the Institute for Plant Sciences


and the Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS)


studies the evolution and adaptation of plants. We use pop-

ulation and quantitative genetics to understand how new


traits evolve, how wild plants became crops and how these


crops spread across the globe. Our main models are maize


and amaranth.


More on www.cropevolution.org.


The selected candidate will work on funded projects,


studying the evolution and adaptation of maize.

YOUR TASKS

»

Genomic analysis to understand the history of adaptive


variation

»

Population genetic and quantitative genetic analysis

»

Participate in the development of the project and


contribute ideas

»

Write and publish scientific articles and present results


at conferences

»

Participate in group and project meetings and


discussions

YOUR PROFILE

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Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., computational


biology, evolutionary genetics, plant breeding)

»

Background in population genetics, quantitative


genetics, computational biology or equivalent

»

Interest in evolutionary questions and plant research

»

Experience with omics data analysis

»

Computational skills (e.g., knowledge in bash,


R or Python)

»

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

WE OFFER

»

A stimulating research environment in a highly


motivated team

»

Participation in cutting edge research

»

A diverse working environment with equal opportunities

»

Support in balancing work and family life

»

Extensive advanced training opportunities

»

Occupational health management offers

»

Flexible working time models



The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and


diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accord-

ance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-West-

phalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also


expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates


regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social


origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.



The position is available immediately on a part-time basis


(65% hours per week of a full-time basis). The position


is to be filled for a fixed term until 31 December 2028. If


the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and


personal qualifications, the salary is based on remunera-

tion group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public


sector.



Please submit your application (without a photo), including


proof of the required qualifications, online under:


https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The reference number is


Wiss2511-21. The application deadline is 14 December 2025.


For further inquiries, please contact Professor Markus Stetter


(m.stetter@uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our FAQs.

PhD student - Plant genomics and quantitative genetics (f/m/x)

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Institute for Plant Sciences/CEPLAS