The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg invites applications for a Postdoctoral position to investigate the molecular basis of stress resilience and stress memory of forest trees. The successful applicant will coordinate controlled experiments and data collection in natural forests with Douglas fir and sessile oak, which will be exposed to biotic and abiotic stressors (hot droughts and pathogenic fungi for Douglas fir, and oak lace bugs for sessile oak). The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for generating and analyzing data to investigate the molecular basis of priming and resilience of these trees. Specifically, we seek to study DNA methylation, histone marks, protein folding, and gene expression.

The Excellence Cluster Future Forests at the University of Freiburg is an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to questions of adaptation and transformation of forests and their societal use in the face of global change. Future-oriented research on the complex interactions between forests and society is conducted here with outstanding international visibility, supported by the German Research Foundation. Future Forests brings together more than 50 researchers from four faculties as well as non-university partner institutions.

The position will be linked to the Professorship of Forest Genetics (https://uni-freiburg.de/enr-forgen/) and the project is planned in close collaboration with the Faculty of Biology groups Plant Environmental Signalling and Development (Jun. Prof. Sjon Hartman) and Molecular Plant Physiology (Prof. Jürgen Kleine-Vehn).

Your Tasks

• Independent scientific research in the field of forest genetics and plant molecular sciences
• Wet lab work applying different methods (DNA/RNA extraction, CUT&Tag, RNA-seq, library preparation)
• Bioinformatic analysis (analysis of NGS data including RNAseq, WGBS, etc.)
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary and international research teams
• Supervision/support of graduate and undergraduate students
• Coordination of tasks and collaboration in our “Theme” within Future Forests, including the coordination of greenhouse and Ecotron experiments (involving 3 doctoral researchers)
• Contribution to scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences
• Writing of progress reports and scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences
• Active involvement in and contributions to cluster activities, workshops, and outreach events (including engagement in social-ecological studies e.g. on acceptance of GMO in forestry)

Your Profile

• Completed university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in Biology, Forest Sciences, Environmental Sciences or related fields
• PhD/doctoral degree in Forest Genetics or Plant Molecular Sciences
• Proven experience in wet lab methods described above, and in bioinformatic analysis of sequencing data (preferably of the specific methods mentioned above)
• Good skills in plant experimental work,
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Proficient written and spoken English
• Experience in scientific writing (publications) is an advantage
• Experience in project coordination

We offer

• An exciting interdisciplinary environment within an internationally renowned researchers at a newly established Excellence Cluster
• Structured support and supervision for your scientific and career development
• A diverse, collaborative, and inclusive research community, including initial University and cluster-specific onboarding support
• Opportunities for further training, attendance at conferences, and professional networking
• Flexible working hours and support with work-life balance
• Salary according to TV-L 13
• A 3-year contract
• An individual financial budget for project-specific expenses, as well as for career development activities

The University of Freiburg is dedicated to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion/belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

Application

Please upload your application (including cover letter, CV, relevant certificates/transcripts, contact details for two scientific referees, and, if applicable, publication list) by June 30th, 2026 to the application portal of the University of Freiburg.