Postdoc in mathematical modeling of fungal plant disease dynamics, University of Göttingen, Germany

Summary

The University of Göttingen is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with strong quantitative and computational skills. The position focuses on the mathematical and computational modeling of the dynamics of foliar fungal pathogens of crop plants. This spans across scales, from disease development on individual leaves to epidemic progress in crop stands and fields, utilizing a large dataset of >50,000 high-resolution RGB images of diseased wheat leaves.

Postdoc in mathematical modeling of fungal plant disease dynamics, University of Göttingen, Germany

Designation

Postdoctoral Researcher (Salary grade 13 TV-L / 100%)

Note: The position is initially a 2.5-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of extension subject to funding availability.

Key Details

Research Area

Mathematical and computational modeling of fungal plant disease dynamics (focusing on foliar fungal pathogens of crop plants such as septoria tritici blotch, yellow rust, and brown rust) combining eco-evolutionary dynamics, epidemiology, and high-resolution optical sensing techniques.

Location

Department of Crop Sciences (DNPW), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.

Eligibility/Qualification

• Education: Ph.D. in theoretical or mathematical biology, applied mathematics, physics, or a related quantitative field (or on the verge of completion). Alternatively, a Ph.D. in biological or agricultural sciences with a proven track record of strong quantitative and mathematical modeling research.
• Core Skills: Excellent command of dynamical systems modeling with ordinary differential equations and stochastic processes.
• Desirable Experience: Partial and integro-differential equations, high-performance computing (HPC), spatio-temporal models, population dynamics, eco-evolutionary modeling, and statistical inference/model fitting (e.g., Bayesian methods).
• Programming: Solid scientific programming skills, preferably in Python (or C/C++, R), including reproducible workflows.
• Languages: Excellent command of written and spoken English is required; knowledge of German is a plus, but not mandatory.

Job Description (Tasks)

• Hypothesis Generation: Formulate clear and interesting biological questions and hypotheses on fungal disease dynamics to guide research.
• Model Development: Formulate mathematical models using deterministic and stochastic approaches (e.g., ODEs, PDEs, Eulerian/Lagrangian modeling of spore dispersal) and implement/solve them.
• Computation and Analysis: Parameterize and fit models using the group’s image-derived phenotyping data. Estimate model parameters and quantify uncertainty.
• Scientific Communication: Prepare manuscripts for international peer-reviewed journals, present at scientific meetings, and contribute to grant proposals for follow-up projects or fellowships.

How to Apply

Upload your application as one single PDF file containing the following documents in this order:

1. Cover letter (max 2 pages)
2. CV
3. Publication list
4. Copy of PhD certificate
5. Names and contact details of two referees

Applications must be submitted via the university’s application portal: Application Link.

Last Date for Apply

September 11, 2026

Link