A PhD position is available in the research group of Prof. Juliette de Meaux at the University of Cologne, Germany. The PhD student will investigate the Genetics of hybridization among Arabis Floodplain Species.

Several Arabis species interbreed, however hybridization is limited to a subset of genotypes in each species. For this project, the PhD candidate will investigate the genetic basis of differences in the ability to hybridize using a combination of formal genetics and pollen sequencing methods. The PhD candidate will acquire a broad array of skills ranging from genomics to molecular genetics and ecology, and develop a solid basis in  experimental design, data management and analysis. The project is a collaboration with the Tellier Lab in Munich. 

The position will be associated to TRR341, a Collaborative Research Center funded by the Ger­man Research Foundation (DFG). In a joint and interdisciplinary approach, combining Plant Molecular Biology and Ecology, we are investigating the genetic under­pinnings of plant responses and adaptation to global environmental change. Together, our aim is to provide new molecular and genetic data and tools to better understand the molecular basis of plant adaptation. We thereby hope to support current and future efforts for the preserva­tion of plant biodiversity.

The applicant must hold a Master degree in Biology, with expertise in genomics, plant genetics, quantitative biology and/or ecology. This position is open to applicants of all nationalities but the usual language in the lab is English.  Successful candidates should have a strong interest in generating knowledge on the ecological and genetic adaptation of plants to changing environ­ments and thus contributing to the preservation of plant ecosystems/ diversity. Successful candidates will convince us that they are excellent team players, driven by curiosity and with an aptitude for interdiscipli­nary research. The position is available as soon as possible and are to be filled for three years. According to the applicant’s personal qual­ification and the institution, employment payment will be based on 65% of salary group 13 TV-L/13 TVöD-Bund. The employment regula­tions of the respective hiring institution apply. Please apply with a single pdf including a motivation letter, a CV and reference contact to at least one past supervisor. The single PDF shall be sent per mail to jdemeaux@uni-koeln.de, with title "PhD Application Arabis hybridization". Revision of application will begin on October 15th 2026 and continue until the position is filled. 
The University of Cologne is an equal opportunity employer striving for gender equality and diversity. Applications from individuals with backgrounds that are underrepresented in MINT disciplines are expressly welcome. Women with comparable qualifications will be considered preferentially. Applications from suitably qualified severely disabled persons or people of equivalent status according to Book IX of the German Social Legal Code (SGB – Soziales Gesetzbuch) are encour­aged. Severely disabled applicants of equal merit and qualifications will be given priority.

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