Postdoctoral Researcher; m​/w​/d

Final date to receive applications: 10. March 2026

NEW Full-time Research and Instruction

The Professorship of Forest Genetics seeks to hire a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/w/d)

• Final date to receive applications: 10. March 2026
• Publication date: 13. February 2026
• Start-date:
  At the earliest possible date.
• Scope of work:
  Full-time position
• .:

Our research team for Forest Genetics at the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg investigates the genomic and epigenetic basis of adaptation and acclimation in temperate and tropical tree species. Our research is carried out in natural populations as well as in greenhouses and climate chambers, and we have experience collecting and analyzing genetic, genomic, phenotypic, and environmental data.

For our team, we are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with experience analyzing genomic datasets in non-model species and the motivation to work in tree genetics for the next 4–6 years. The postdoctoral researcher will have the opportunity to establish his/her own profile in forest genetics research and teaching and will be integrated into some of our ongoing research projects (). After a training phase, you will also support the working group with data management on Data Plant (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

The position has a teaching obligation of four semester hours per week. This includes a course on bioinformatic analysis of genetic datasets for MSc students, which should be coordinated and taught independently. Contributions to a course on forest genetics lab and data analysis skills for MSc students and a lab practical course for BSc students are also expected.

• You hold a very good Master's degree in biology, forest sciences, bioinformatics, or related fields, and have completed a Ph.D. in forest genetics or a closely related area.
• You have experience in analyzing genomic data, especially RNAseq and whole-genome sequencing datasets.
• You are experienced in lab work (e.g., DNA/RNA extractions) and ideally in running and analyzing qPCRs.
• You are proficient in bioinformatic analyses (including HPCs), comfortable in Unix environments, and experienced with R;
  Python knowledge and willingness to learn new analysis pipelines are a plus.
• Ideally, you are familiar with the challenges of working with non-model species.
• You can carry out scientific work independently, as demonstrated by your publications.
• You thrive in teamwork, collaborate effectively in diverse and international groups, and communicate openly and respectfully with colleagues.
• You have experience teaching and supervising BSc and MSc theses, with good to very good teaching evaluations. MSc-level lectures and group communication are in English, so excellent English skills are required; good German skills are an advantage for administrative and BSc-level teaching tasks.

You will be integrated into our working group at the University of Freiburg. We are broadly interested in the adaptation and acclimation processes of trees, and in the genetic diversity and gene flow in tree populations in temperate and tropical regions. With several recently started large collaborative projects, including the Cluster of Excellence “Future Forests,” the University of Freiburg is becoming a hub for forest science with many opportunities for national and international collaborations.

The position offers the possibility of scientific qualification. The postdoctoral researcher will be supported in writing his/her own research proposals. The salary follows the standard postdoctoral scale in Germany, including social security and health insurance.

Your application should include a letter of motivation, an academic CV (including an overview of your research and teaching activities, an overview of data analysis and software skills, and a publication record), copies of academic transcripts, and contact details for two academic references. Please upload the applicants as a single document to the application portal of the University of Freiburg (link below).

The position is limited to four years and can be extended for another two years after a successful evaluation. The salary will be determined in accordance with TVL
13.

Please send your application in English including supporting documents mentioned above citing the reference number , by 10. March 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Forest Genetics Albert-Ludwigs Universität Freiburg Bertholdstraße 1779098 Freiburg Germany

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Katrin Heer on the phone number  or E-Mail katrin .

Apply now