Summary
Forschungszentrum Jülich is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD Position – Linking Above-Ground Plant Function to Root Dynamics at the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Plant Sciences (IBG-2). Embedded within the interdisciplinary PhenoRob (Robotics and Phenotyping for Sustainable Crop Production) research cluster, this doctoral research project focuses on understanding how photosynthesis, carbon allocation, and shoot development relate to root growth and dynamics under varying environmental conditions.
Scholarship Overview
| Program | Doctoral Researcher (PhD Position) |
|---|---|
| Research Area | Plant Sciences, Phenotyping, Plant Physiology & Root Dynamics |
| Host Institution | Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Plant Sciences (IBG-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH |
| Location | Jülich, Germany |
| Salary / Remuneration | Pay group 13 (70%) TVöD-Bund |
| Start Date | Earliest possible date |
| Application Deadline | Open until filled (Applications reviewed continuously) |
Designation
Doctoral Researcher / PhD Candidate (Index number: 2026D-0823)
Research Area
Plant Physiology, Plant Phenotyping, Root Biology, Functional-Structural Plant Modelling, Non-Invasive Plant Imaging (MRI/PET), and Bioengineering.
Location
Jülich, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Eligibility / Qualification
Candidates must fulfill the following profile requirements:
- Academic Degree: An excellent Master’s degree in Plant Sciences, Biology, Agricultural Sciences, Crop Science, Environmental Sciences, Bioengineering, or a related discipline.
- Methodological Motivation: Strong motivation to combine controlled laboratory experiments with field-based plant research.
- Scientific Curiosity: Keen interest in linking physiological processes with imaging and sensor-derived plant traits.
- Data Analysis: Demonstrated experience in quantitative data analysis and statistics. Familiarity with R, Python, or comparable scientific computational tools is advantageous.
- Language Skills: Very good command of written and spoken English (at least B2 level CEFR), preferably supported by official certification.
- Desirable Assets: Experience with photosynthesis measurements, root phenotyping, plant imaging techniques (such as MRI, PET), field phenotyping, remote sensing, machine learning, or plant modelling is an asset (not a prerequisite).
Scholarship / Position Description
The goal of the PhD project is to determine whether measurable above-ground physiological and phenotypic traits can serve as reliable indicators and predictors of hidden root system dynamics. By bridging controlled and field experiments, the doctoral researcher will investigate the temporal connections between photosynthesis, carbon allocation, shoot development, and root system growth under changing environmental conditions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and perform plant experiments under both controlled environmental conditions and field setups.
- Quantify spatial and temporal alterations in plant structure and function utilizing cutting-edge, non-invasive imaging techniques (such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Positron Emission Tomography).
- Investigate interactions between photosynthetic carbon assimilation, carbon allocation, and root-shoot source-sink dynamics.
- Formulate quantitative methods to correlate dynamic root responses and stress reactions with above-ground measurements.
- Supply experimental data to parameterize and validate functional-structural plant models.
- Present scientific findings at international symposiums and publish research in peer-reviewed journals.
Key Benefits:
- Employment contract with compensation according to Pay Group 13 (70%) TVöD-Bund.
- Access to top-tier scientific infrastructure at one of Europe’s largest research centres.
- Structured doctoral support via the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors (JuDocS).
- 30 days of paid annual leave along with flexible working hours and mobile work arrangements.
- Support services for international researchers through the International Advisory Service.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their complete application online through the official Forschungszentrum Jülich career portal using the reference index number 2026D-0823.
Last Date for Apply
Applications are processed on a rolling basis; candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible.
Apply Link
Apply Online at Forschungszentrum Jülich Portal
