PhD Scholarship: Root–Soil Interface: The University of Tuebingen, in collaboration with IPK Gatersleben, the University of Goettingen, and JOOUST (Kenya), invites applications from East African scholars for a fully funded 4-year KAAD PhD scholarship. The position focuses on how drought, nutrient deficiency, plant diseases, and insect pests influence maize root systems and rhizosphere processes across tropical and temperate environments.
PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Impact of Concurrent Abiotic and Biotic Stress on Below-Ground Processes at the Root–Soil Interface
Summary Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | PhD Scholar (KAAD Scholarship – East African Candidates Only) |
| Research Area | Rhizosphere Processes, Plant–Soil Interactions, Multi-Stress Impact on Maize |
| Location | University of Tuebingen (Germany) + Field Sites in Göttingen (Germany) & Siaya (Kenya) |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Funding | KAAD Scholarship (subject to final approval on 14.12.2025) |
| Last Date to Apply | 05 December 2025 |
Designation
PhD Position in Rhizosphere Processes and Plant–Soil Interactions
Research Area
The project is part of the DFG Research Unit “MultiStress™”. The research examines how drought, nitrogen limitation, foliar disease (Setosphaeria turcica), and the stemborer pest jointly influence maize root traits and below-ground soil–plant interactions across different genotypes and climatic conditions.
Location
- University of Tuebingen, Germany
- IPK Gatersleben, Germany
- University of Goettingen, Germany
- JOOUST, Bondo, Kenya
- Fieldwork: Göttingen (Germany) & Siaya (Kenya)
Eligibility / Qualification
Candidates should bring:
- A Master’s degree in soil science, agriculture, biogeochemistry, geoecology, molecular biology, microbiology, biology, geoscience, or a related field.
- Strong scientific writing skills in English.
- Understanding of soil processes, root–soil interactions, and plant resource acquisition.
- Experience in molecular or biogeochemical laboratory techniques.
- Ability to work effectively in both lab and field environments.
Job Description / Responsibilities
The selected PhD scholar will:
- Conduct root and soil sampling at field sites in Germany and Kenya.
- Analyze root traits such as morphology, anatomy, and osmolytes.
- Assess rhizosphere properties including enzyme activities and mycorrhizal colonization.
- Apply stable isotope techniques in field studies (plant and soil labeling).
- Link phenotypic root-zone data with transcriptomic profiles.
- Collaborate with parallel PhD studies focusing on above-ground traits.
- Manage data processing, analysis, and publication of research findings.
How to Apply
Send the following as one combined PDF:
- Motivation letter
- CV
- Degree certificates
Email your application to:
michaela.dippold@uni-tuebingen.de
For questions, you may contact
M. Dippold – michaela.dippold@uni-tuebingen.de
Last Date to Apply
05 December 2025
Note: Final scholarship approval will be announced on 14 December 2025.
