2026 University of Cologne PhD position on Fungal Effector Biology

The Terrestrial Microbiology lab is affiliated with the institute for Plant Sciences and the Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS) at the University of Cologne. We study molecular mechanisms of plant–microbe interactions with a focus on biotrophic fungal pathogens, in particular smut fungi. The successful candidate will conduct a doctoral project on the functional characterization of fungal transactivating effectors (TAEs). We invite highly motivated candidates with expertise in molecular plant pathology, microbial genetics, or plant immunity to apply for this position.

Your Tasks:

• Elucidate the biological and molecular functions of fungal transactivating effectors (TAEs)
• Study the function of novel TAEs in other maize leaf pathogens by using the Ustilago maydis pathosystem
• Investigate how TAEs modulate the expression of host genes
• Study the evolutionary adaptation of TAEs in fungal plant pathogens

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineOctober 30, 2025
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Cologne
• City to studyNorth Rhine-Westphalia
• School to studyUniversity of Cologne
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• State-of-the-art laboratories and an excellent research infrastructure
• A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
• Support in balancing work and family life
• Extensive advanced training opportunities
• Occupational health management offers
• Flexible working time models
• Opportunity to work remotely

Requirements

• MSc degree in Biology or a related field, with documented expertise in molecular plant-microbe interactions
• Experience in fungal genetics, fluorescence imaging, and transcriptome data analysis
• Excellent English skills, both written and spoken
• Strong interest in molecular plant–microbe interactions

Check also:
Scholarship winning strategies for 2026 (Upcoming Webinar)

Application Deadline

How To Apply

For further inquiries, please contact Professor Dr Gunther Döhlemann ([email protected]) and take a look at our FAQs.

For more information, kindly visit University of Cologne scholarship webpage.