Research Assistant (PhD student) (m/f/d)
Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS) is one of the emerging strategies for sustainable plant protection: exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) can be used to control fungal pathogens in a targeted and residue-free manner. In this context, the Institute of Fruit Growing at Geisenheim University is developing a SIGS platform with a focus on the post-harvest phase — an area of application in which key limitations of open-field applications (UV stability, application drift, biosafety) are mitigated by the controlled storage environment. We position our work as the foundation for European SIGS research, thereby paving the way for the authorisation and practical implementation of this sustainable and safe plant protection strategy.
Your scope for creativity – our shared progress- Development and implementation of research strategies in the field of sustainable fruit growing, including the conception of experimental designs, literature reviews and the development of scientific methods
- Conducting field trials in fruit growing using apples as a model system, including setting up the trials, sampling, carrying out physiological measurements and monitoring the trials throughout the growing season
- Application of molecular biological methods in the laboratory, including nucleic acid extraction (DNA/RNA), PCR-based analyses, sample preparation for sequencing, and bioinformatic and biostatistical analysis of the collected data
- Authoring scientific publications in international journals and presenting research findings at national and international conferences
- Supporting teaching in the field of fruit tree cultivation and related subject areas, including supervising students on dissertations and work placements, as well as assisting with teaching modules
- Contributing to the preparation and implementation of externally funded projects, collaborating with national and international research partners, and documenting and managing research data
- A university degree (Master’s or university diploma) in biology, biotechnology, plant sciences, horticulture, agricultural sciences or a related discipline
- In-depth knowledge of molecular biology methods (nucleic acid extraction, PCR/qPCR; ideally in vitro transcription)
- An independent and structured approach to scientific work
- Fluency in spoken and written English; good knowledge of German desirable
- Experience with phytopathogenic fungi or microbiology
- Basic knowledge of bioinformatics (sequence analysis, R or Python)
- Experience in post-harvest research or RNA interference
- Security – a public sector employment contract with remuneration (depending on professional experience and qualifications) in pay band 13 of the TV-H collective agreement and a company pension scheme
- Meaningful work – a role of responsibility contributing to shaping a sustainable future
- Career prospects – personalised, needs-based support through extensive training and professional development opportunities
- Flexibility – individual working time arrangements (work-life balance), the general option to work remotely following induction, and 30 days’ annual leave
- Mobility – the LandesTicket Hessen 2026 for free use of local and regional public transport within Hesse
- Well-being – a sense of belonging as ‘Geisenheimers’ thanks to a family-like atmosphere on the green campus with listed parks and buildings, combined with Rheingau warmth
- When? 1 September 2026
- How? Part-time (26 hours per week); fixed-term contract for 4 years (Section 2(1) of the WissZeitVG)
- Application deadline: 12 July 2026
- Academic contact: Prof. Dr Michael Helmut Hagemann michael.hagemann@hs-gm.de
What matters to us is your profile and your strengths. That is why we welcome everyone, regardless of characteristics such as gender, age, background or disability. People with disabilities (within the meaning of Section 2(2) and (3) of SGB IX) will be given preferential consideration where equally qualified.
Geisenheim University is a higher education institution certified as ‘family-friendly’, which is committed to diversity, gender equality and the work-life balance. We therefore expressly encourage women with the relevant qualifications to apply.
