Postdoctoral Researcher in Fungus-Microbiota Interactions: The University of Cologne invites applications for a postdoctoral position in the Evolutionary Microbiology group within the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The research focuses on understanding mechanistic interactions between fungal pathogens and their microbial environments, including interactions with plant hosts and soil microbiota. This opportunity is ideal for highly motivated researchers with backgrounds in wet-lab biology or bioinformatics.
Postdoctoral Researcher in Fungus-Microbiota Interactions (f/m/x)
Summary Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Research Area | Fungus-Microbiota Interactions, Evolutionary Microbiology |
| Location | University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany |
| Start Date | 1 August 2025 |
| Contract Duration | Until 31 July 2027 (Fixed-term) |
| Working Hours | Full-time (39.83 hours/week) |
| Salary | Based on TV-L E13 pay scale of the German public sector |
| Reference Number | Wiss2505-16 |
| Application Deadline | 27 June 2025 |
Designation:
Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area:
- Fungus-microbiota interactions
- Pathogenicity mechanisms
- Plant-microbe holobionts
- Soil microbiota interactions
- Evolutionary microbiology
Location:
University of Cologne
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
AG Thomma, Cologne, Germany
Eligibility / Qualification:
- Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Plant Science, Bioinformatics, or a related field
- Proven experience in fungal and/or microbiota research (highly advantageous)
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conceptual thinking skills
- Fluency in English and excellent communication abilities
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and international team
- Willingness to apply for individual research funding (advantageous)
Job Description / Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, and execute a research project focused on the mechanistic interactions between fungi and their environmental microbiota
- Investigate how these interactions influence fungal biology and plant-pathogen dynamics
- Collaborate within an international, multidisciplinary research environment
- Publish and present research findings in high-impact platforms
How to Apply:
- Submit your application online via the University of Cologne job portal: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de
- Include:
- Letter of motivation
- CV
- List of publications
- Relevant certificates (no photo required)
- Reference number: Wiss2505-16
- Contact for queries: Prof. Bart Thomma (bthomma@uni-koeln.de)
Last Date to Apply:
27 June 2025
Equal Opportunity Statement:
The University of Cologne is committed to diversity and equal opportunities. Female candidates will be given preference in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (LGG NRW). Applications from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or identity are strongly encouraged.
