An der Georg-August-Universität Göttingen Stiftung Öffentlichen Rechts – DNPW - Abt. Tropischer Pflanzenbau und Agrosystem Modellierung ist ab dem 01.06.2026 eine Stelle alsScientific researcher (PhD position) Integrating genetics into crop models (all genders welcome)- Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L - in Teilzeit mit 75% der regelmäßigen wöchentlichen Arbeitszeit zu besetzen. Die Stelle ist befristet bis .The Georg-August University of Göttingen, Germany is an internationally renowned research university Founded in 1737 in the Age of Enlightenment, the University is committed to the values of social responsibility of science, democracy, tolerance and justice. It offers a comprehensive range of subjects across 13 faculties.
The Division of Tropical Plant Production and Agricultural Systems Modelling (TROPAGS) of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, is pleased to announce and invite applications for a Scientific researcher:
„Integration of genetics into process-based crop models to simulate biotic–abiotic stress interactions and their impacts in maize”
This is a four-year 75% (29,85 hours/week) PhD position whitch will be filled as soon as possible to work on the DFG-funded MultiStress Research Unit 6101. It is open to all qualified individuals (m/f/d) who are eager to engage in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research at the interface of crop modelling, genetics, environmental science, plant–biotic interactions and ecological dynamics.
Context: MultiStress RU 6101 investigates how maize responds to multiple, interacting abiotic (e.g., drought, nitrogen deficit) and biotic (fungal disease; herbivory) stress factors. Through an integrated experimental–modelling approach, the project aims to improve our understanding and prediction of crop performance under complex stress environments. This PhD position is an integral part of the modelling subproject (SP6) of MultiStress RU and will focus on integrating the genetic make-up of different temperate and tropical maize genotypes into a new MultiStress crop model.

Main Tasks:
Review existing crop modelling approaches and identify gaps regarding process descriptions of multiple abiotic and biotic stress interactions
Testing pre-selected base models (e.g. SSM) regarding their capability to simulate crop responses to water and nitrogen stress using existing data; perform model evaluation and intercomparisons
Link genetic with metabolic and ecophysiological traits to model parameters through an index and define genotype-specific response functions.
Validate the model for the studied genotypes using (unused) experimental data from CE field trials.
Analyse model outputs and jointly with researchers from SPs4-6 explore how concomitant biotic + abiotic stresses affect maize yield & quality under varying environmental and future climate scenarios.
Collaborate closely with other subprojects within the RU, linking experimental, modelling, and synthesis activities.
Publishing your research in international peer-reviewed journals

Required Qualifications:
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Crop Science, Agronomy, Agricultural or Environmental Sciences, Plant Pathology, Systems Biology, or a related field
Strong interest in quantitative crop modelling and the interaction between genetics, plant physiology, environment, and pests/diseases.
Solid skills in programming and data analysis (e.g., R, Python).
Experience with process-based models, genomic prediction models (GP), experimental datasets, or parameter estimation is an advantage.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and international team.
Very good command of English, both written and spoken

We offer:
A dynamic, interdisciplinary, and internationally leading research environment within the DFG Research Unit MultiStress.
Excellent supervision and training opportunities in model development, data interpretation, and scientific communication.
Access to unique multi-stress experimental datasets and high-performance computing infrastructure.
Opportunities for international collaboration and conference participation.

Interviews will be scheduled to take place between 24 and 27.03.26, for which you will receive an invitation by 20.03.2026.
Die Universität Göttingen strebt in den Bereichen, in denen Frauen unterrepräsentiert sind, eine Erhöhung des Frauenanteils an und fordert daher qualifizierte Frauen nachdrücklich zur Bewerbung auf. Sie versteht sich zudem als familienfreundliche Hochschule und fördert die Vereinbarkeit von Wissenschaft/Beruf und Familie. Der beruflichen Teilhabe von schwerbehinderten Beschäftigten sieht sich die Universität in besondere Weise verpflichtet und begrüßt deshalb Bewerbungen schwerbehinderter Menschen. Bei gleicher Qualifikation erhalten Bewerbungen von Menschen mit Schwerbehinderung den Vorzug. Eine Behinderung bzw. Gleichstellung ist zur Wahrung der Interessen bereits in die Bewerbung aufzunehmen.Bitte reichen Sie Ihre aussagekräftige Bewerbung mit allen wichtigen Unterlagen bis zum 20.03.2026 ausschließlich über das Bewerbungsportal http://obp.uni-goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/Index/76359 ein. Auskunft erteilt Herr Reimund Roetter, E-Mail: reimund.roetter@uni-goettingen.de, Tel. +491705591529Hinweis: Wir weisen darauf hin, dass die Einreichung der Bewerbung eine datenschutzrechtliche Einwilligung in die Verarbeitung Ihrer Bewerbungsdaten durch uns darstellt. Näheres zur Rechtsgrundlage und Datenverwendung finden Sie im Hinweisblatt zur Datenschutzgrundverordnung (DSGVO)