The CRC 1537 - ECOSENSE invites applications for a doctoral researcher (m/f/d) position at the Chair of Forest Genetics Doctoral position (m/f/d) on Molecular stress response of trees and their microbiome Application deadline: 20. April 2026 Start of the position: 1. Juli 2026 Arbeitsumfang: Part-time position (75 %) In ECOSENSE we explore new ways to quantify ecosystem processes and stress impact of climate change by developing novel sensor principles and measurement methods (https://uni-freiburg.de/ecosense/). We established a comprehensive infrastructure and sensor network in a nearby forest including three canopy access towers. For our second phase starting this July we are seeking 15 doctoral from environmental and engineering sciences. ECOSENSE offers highly interdisciplinary research and training in a cooperative and vivid working environment. In Subproject B4, we will investigate gene expression of trees and their leaf microbiomes in the ECOSENSE Forest to identify stress-responsive plant genes and microbial shifts. Coupled with ECOSENSE's high-resolution sensor network, expression patterns will be interpreted in the context of the microenvironment and linked to ecophysiology. In addition, we will investigate gene expression of trees in controlled climate chamber and Ecotrone experiments to address herbivore response and tree-to-tree signaling. A close collaboration with the Technical Faculty is planned to establish a microfluidic system for on-site qPCR reactions (Dr. Jacob Hess, IMTEK). The project will be jointly supervised by Prof. Dr. Katrin Heer and Dr. Cristina Zamora (University of Valladolid). Your Task: In ECOSENSE, you will collect tissue samples for RNA extraction from trees in the ECOSENSE forest across strata, and also from the experiments, you will optimize RNA extraction protocols with our partner group led by Dr. Jacob Hess, you will carry out qPCR experiments, and analyze the RNAseq data as well as the qPCR data using Unix systems and R. You will also present and discuss your results in our working group seminar, and also at (inter)national conferences. Finally, you will publish the results in collaboration with other collaborators in ECOSENSE. Your qualifications and contributions to ECOSENSE: You hold a Master's degree in Forest Sciences, Biology, Environmental Sciences or related fields Experience in gene expression analysis in plants or more generally, in plant genomics Good skills in laboratory work (RNA or DNA extractions, qPCR analysis) and statistical analysis Experience with field work and the ability to work under demanding field conditions (work at height at the canopy access towers) Experience in bioinformatic analysis and forest ecology or willingness to learn about both Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team Excellent English skills Great enthusiasm for working in a large interdisciplinary project and interest in collaborative research You hold a driver´s license valid in Germany. What we offer: An exciting interdisciplinary topic with a high socio-ecological impact A salary according to TV-L E13 (75%) Contracts will initially run for three years with an option of extension until the end of the CRC's second phase, which will be June 2030. odern laboratory equipment and a highly qualified, multicultural team, which will cooperate with you and support you along your professional growth. The work on your dissertation will be strengthened by the CRC's own integrated Research Training Group (RTG) providing a tailored qualification program for all our doctoral candidates. Within this RTG all early career researchers will form a tight group of scientists being connected across the borders of disciplines fostering a constant and mutual exchange. The funding of the here advertised position is still subject to the DFG's final approval for a second phase by midst of May 2026. Please upload all documents (letter of application, CV, credentials) under the submission portal of the University of Freiburg. The deadline for applications is April, 20th 2026. For any questions regarding the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Katrin Heer. The position is initially a 3-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of extension until June 30, 2030. The salary will be determined in accordance with 13 TV-L. We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here. Application Please send your application including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number 00004910, by 20. April 2026 at the latest. Please upload your application document to the application portal of the University of Freiburg: https://uni-freiburg.de/stellenangebot/00004910/ For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Katrin Heer on the phone number +49 761 203-3647 or E-Mail katrin.heer@forgen.uni-freiburg.de. Prof. Dr. Katrin Heer Forest Genetics Eva Mayr-Stihl Stiftungsprofessur für Forstgenetik Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Fakultät für Umwelt und Natürliche Ressourcen Bertoldstraße 17, 79098 Freiburg i. Br., Germany Phone: +49 761 203 3647 www.forestgenetics.uni-freiburg.de Katrin Heer (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)