PhD-student

An der Georg-August-Universität Göttingen Stiftung Öffentlichen Rechts – DNPW - Abt. Agrarentomologie ist ab dem 01.04.2026 eine Stelle als PhD-Student (all genders welcome). Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L, Teilzeit 65 %, bis 31.03.2030. Employment is subject to the final approval of project funding.

Topic: “Influence of single & dual abiotic stress on plant volatile emission, attraction of stem borer females & their parasitoids”. The candidate will contribute to the DFG Research Unit “Multi Stress” by experimentally assessing single and combined effects of drought, nitrogen deficiency and insect infestation on maize volatile emission, attraction of stem borer pests (Ostrinia nubilalis, Busseola fusca) and their natural enemies.

The DFG Research Unit “Multi Stress - Concurrent multiple abiotic and biotic stress interactions in maize: impacts and mechanisms” (RU 6101) investigates how maize responds to multiple, interacting abiotic (e.g., drought, nitrogen deficit) and biotic (e.g., stem borer) stress factors. Through an integrated experimental–modelling approach with different maize cultivars, the project aims to improve our understanding and prediction of crop performance under complex stress environments.

Parallel field experiments using rainout shelters will be conducted in Germany and Kenya and it will be your task to collect volatiles and assess stem borer infestation and parasitization rates in these experiments. Field data will be combined with behavioural trials and volatile collections under controlled laboratory conditions. Repeated research stays in Kenya will offer you valuable international experience within a globally relevant research context.

Multi Stress brings together the expertise of several crop science departments in an interdisciplinary collaboration. You will work within an engaged, international team on scientifically and societally relevant questions to improve the stress resistance of maize – at the interface of plant physiology, entomology, and sustainable agriculture.

• Working on multitrophic interactions between maize, stem borers and their parasitoids
• Managing inoculation trials and volatile collections in the field, greenhouse and climate chambers in Germany and Kenya
• Monitoring natural stem borer infestation in the field
• Conducting behavioural assays with pests and parasitoids
• Identification of main stem borer parasitoids in Kenya and Germany based on morphological and/or genetic traits
• Establishing parasitoid rearing from field-collected individuals
• Publishing your research in international peer‑reviewed journals

• Master’s degree in agriculture, biology, or a similar field.
• Experience in plant‑insect biology and chemical ecology.
• Very good scientific writing skills in English.
• Experience with statistical programmes, preferably R.

• Volatile collection and analysis (GC‑MS).
• Behavioural assays with insects.
• Proficiency in data analysis (anova, glm, glmm in R).
• Experience with molecular methods or insect identification would be a plus.
• Enjoys travelling between Kenya and Germany.
• Self‑motivated and well‑organised.
• Ability to work in a large, international team.
• Valid driver’s licence.

• A dynamic, interdisciplinary, internationally leading and pioneering research environment within the DFG Research Unit Multi Stress, which consists of ten universities and research organisations from Germany, Kenya, Italy and CIMMYT.
• Excellent supervision and training opportunities in chemical ecology, entomology, data analysis & interpretation, and scientific communication.
• The possibility to work in an interdisciplinary and international team consisting of 13 PhD‑students and numerous senior scientists from different disciplines.
• Join specific project thematic workshops on a range of topics (e.g. statistical analysis, modelling, molecular methods and hyperspectral imaging).
• Opportunities for unique international collaboration around maize and participation in international conferences.
• A four‑year PhD position (65 % TV‑L E13).

Die Universität Göttingen strebt in den Bereichen, in denen Frauen unterrepräsentiert sind,…