Ph.D. candidate (m/f/d) in the field of plant virus analysis using RNA-seq 25/2026
As part of this doctoral project, Oxford Nanopore-based long-read RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses will be established and applied for the diagnosis and research of the Grapevine Pinot Gris Virus (GPGV). The goal is to reliably detect viral infections directly from grapevine RNA, reconstruct virus genomes as completely as possible, and investigate the genetic diversity of the virus in German wine-growing regions.
The Grapevine Pinot Gris Virus (GPGV) is an increasingly widespread virus of the grapevine; infections often progress asymptomatically and cannot always be reliably detected using established diagnostic methods. At the same time, infected vines can exhibit significant losses in yield and vitality. Reliable detection is therefore of particular importance for grapevine propagation in order to prevent the transmission of the virus via infected propagation material.
By combining high-throughput RNA extraction, Oxford Nanopore RNA-seq, and comparative viral genomics, the project aims to develop new diagnostic and scientific approaches for GPGV. The project focuses on three central research questions: (i) improving the diagnostic detection of GPGV, (ii) investigating the previously poorly understood manifestation of symptoms in different grape varieties, rootstocks, and locations, and (iii) studying the natural spread of the virus, particularly through animal vectors that have not yet been sufficiently characterized.
The doctoral position is part of a collaborative project administered by the GFPi, which is being carried out in partnership with the Neustadt Service Center for Rural Areas (DLR) and the State Institute of Viticulture in Freiburg (WBI). As a result, the project offers the opportunity to directly integrate molecular biology, bioinformatics, and applied plant science research.
The doctoral candidate will also be closely integrated into national and international research and training networks in the fields of transcriptomics, virus diagnostics, genomics, and plant breeding. This offers a wide range of opportunities for scientific exchange, collaboration, international mobility, and professional and personal development during the doctoral program.
Your Qualifications – Our Requirements- A completed scientific university degree (Master’s or university diploma) in biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, plant sciences, horticulture, agricultural sciences, or a related discipline that qualifies you for doctoral studies; alternatively, a corresponding degree program that is in its final phase at the time of application
- Basic knowledge and initial practical experience with molecular biology methods, such as RNA/DNA extraction, PCR, or sequencing
- Basic knowledge of using the Linux/Unix command line
- Interest in the application and further development of bioinformatics methods, such as sequence analysis, clustering, de novo assembly, and comparative genomics
- Interest in combining experimental molecular biology with bioinformatics-based data analysis
- Ability to conduct independent and structured scientific work as well as to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams
- Excellent written and spoken English skills
- High motivation to independently address scientific questions and to present and publish the results at international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals
- 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? 1st January 2027
- How? Research Assistant (65%), fixed-term for 3 years (§ 2 (2) WissZeitVG)
- Application deadline: 24 November 2026
- Academic contact: Maximilian Schmidt, phone: +49 (0)6722-502-194 maximilian.schmidt@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.
