The Professorship of Forest Genetics seeks to hire a *Postdoctoral 
Researcher (m/w/d)*

  * Application deadline: March, 10th 2026
  * Starting data: as soon as possible
  * Fulltime position

Our research team for Forest Genetics at the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität 
Freiburg investigates the genomic and epigenetic basis of adaptation and 
acclimation in temperate and tropical tree species. Our research is 
carried out in natural populations as well as in greenhouses and climate 
chambers, and we have experience collecting and analyzing genetic, 
genomic, phenotypic, and environmental data. We value collaborative, 
open, and respectful communication within our diverse and international 
team.

For our team, we are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with experience
analyzing genomic datasets in non-model species and the motivation to work
in tree genetics for the next 4-6 years. The postdoctoral researcher
will have the opportunity to establish his/her own profile in forest
genetics research and teaching and will be integrated into some of our
ongoing research projects (https://uni-freiburg.de/enr-forgen/). After
a training phase, you will also support the working group with data
management on DataPlant (https://www.nfdi4plants.org/).

The position has a teaching obligation of four semester hours per week. 
This includes a course on bioinformatic analysis of genetic datasets for 
MSc students, which should be coordinated and taught independently. 
Contributions to a course on forest genetics lab and data analysis 
skills for MSc students and a lab practical course for BSc students are 
also expected.

*Your profile*

  * You hold a very good Master's degree in biology, forest sciences,
    bioinformatics, or related fields, and have completed a Ph.D. in
    forest genetics or a closely related area.
  * You have experience in analyzing genomic data, especially RNAseq and
    whole-genome sequencing datasets.
  * You are experienced in lab work (e.g., DNA/RNA extractions) and
    ideally in running and analyzing qPCRs.
  * You are proficient in bioinformatic analyses (including HPCs),
    comfortable in Unix environments, and experienced with R; Python
    knowledge and willingness to learn new analysis pipelines are a plus.
  * Ideally, you are familiar with the challenges of working with
    non-model species.
  * You can carry out scientific work independently, as demonstrated by
    your publications.
  * You thrive in teamwork, collaborate effectively in diverse and
    international groups, and communicate openly and respectfully with
    colleagues.
  * You have experience teaching and supervising BSc and MSc theses,
    with good to very good teaching evaluations. MSc-level lectures and
    group communication are in English, so excellent English skills are
    required; good German skills are an advantage for administrative and
    BSc-level teaching tasks.

*What we offer*
You will be integrated into our working group at the University of 
Freiburg. We are broadly interested in the adaptation and acclimation 
processes of trees, and in the genetic diversity and gene flow in tree 
populations in temperate and tropical regions. With several recently 
started large collaborative projects, including the Cluster of 
Excellence "Future Forests," the University of Freiburg is becoming a 
hub for forest science with many opportunities for national and 
international collaborations.

The position offers the possibility of scientific qualification. The 
postdoctoral researcher will be supported in writing his/her own 
research proposals. The salary follows the standard postdoctoral scale 
in Germany, including social security and health insurance.

*Your application*

Your application should include a letter of motivation, an academic CV 
(including an overview of your research and teaching activities, an 
overview of data analysis and software skills, and a publication 
record), copies of academic transcripts, and contact details for two 
academic references. Please upload the applicants as a single document 
to the application portal of the University of Freiburg 
(https://uni-freiburg.de/stellenangebot/00004860).

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 <katrin.heer@forgen.uni-freiburg.de>

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