TUD Dresden University of Technology, as a University of Excellence, is one of the leading and most dynamic research institutions in the country. Founded in 1828, today it is a globally oriented, regionally anchored top university as it focuses on the grand challenges of the 21st century. It develops innovative solutions for the world's most pressing issues. In research and academic programs, the university unites the natural and engineering sciences with the humanities, social sciences and medicine. This wide range of disciplines is a special feature, facilitating interdisciplinarity and transfer of science to society. As a modern employer, it offers attractive working conditions to all employees in teaching, research, technology and administration. The goal is to promote and develop their individual abilities while empowering everyone to reach their full potential. TUD embodies a university culture that is characterized by cosmopolitanism, mutual appreciation, thriving innovation and active participation. For TUD diversity is an essential feature and a quality criterion of an excellent university. Accordingly, we welcome all applicants who would like to commit themselves, their achievements and productivity to the success of the whole institution.
(subject to personal qualification employees are remunerated according to salary group E 13 TV-L)
At the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Department of Forest Sciences, Institute of Forest Botany and Forest Zoology, the Chair of Forest Botany offers a project position as
Research Associate (65%) / Postdoc (75%) (m/f/x)
in bioinformatics and/or molecular mycology
starting March 1, 2026. The position is limited until September 30, 2028, with the possibility of extension up to a total employment duration of three years. The period of employment is governed by § 2 (2) Fixed Term Research Contracts Act (WissZeitVG).
Within the collaborative research project µDYNAST, we examine the spread dynamics, ecological impacts, and microbial associations of the non-native and invasive tree species black cherry (Prunus serotina) in Central European forests. The successful candidate will contribute to the project’s molecular and microbiome-related work packages. The project is conducted in collaboration with the Chair of Forest Growth and Woody Biomass Production at TU Dresden, with Dr. Gitta Langer (Department of Forest Protection, Northwest German Forest Research Institute - NW‐FVA) and Prof. Dr. Ewald Langer (Ecology, University of Kassel) serving as additional scientific advisors.
Tasks include the analysis of the P. serotina mycobiome using ONT sequencing data, including raw data processing, quality control, and taxonomic classification of endophytic fungi. Additional tasks involve evaluating shifts in microbial communities in relation to vitality and stress, processing transcriptome data to assemble and annotate PUTs, identifying stress-related transcripts, comparing mycobiomes over multi-year time series, assessing potential host shifts between black cherry and neighboring tree species, and evaluating associated pathogen risks.
— an excellent university degree in bioinformatics, systems biology, molecular biology, or a related discipline; initial experience in field and/or laboratory work is welcome
— basic familiarity with processing ONT sequencing data (e.g., taxonomic classification or transcriptome analysis) is an advantage
— willingness to work in an interdisciplinary team and to develop scientific writing and publishing skills is expected
— basic knowledge of German is desirable, and a driver’s license is advantageous
An inspiring and international research environment, as well as the opportunity to contribute to the interdisciplinary µDYNAST project with strong practical relevance for sustainable forest management. You will benefit from the long-lasting experience of the working group Molecular Physiology of Woody Plants at the Chair of Forest Botany, excellent working conditions, including access to modern laboratory and computing facilities, and from opportunities for professional and personal development such as scientific training and conference participation. If a doctoral / postdoctoral thesis is pursued, the position can also be fixed term for the candidates own academic qualification. TUD provides flexible, family-friendly working hours with the possibility of remote work, a subsidized job ticket for local public transport, and a wide range of support services for international researchers. Additional benefits include access to university sports courses and various health and well-being programs.
For general questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Bernhard Schuldt and for project-related questions, please contact Birgit Reiche (birgit.reiche@tu-dresden.de).
TUD strives to employ more women in academia and research. We therefore expressly encourage women to apply. The University is a certified family-friendly university. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. If multiple candidates prove to be equally qualified, those with disabilities or with equivalent status pursuant to the German Social Code IX (SGB IX) will receive priority for employment.
Please send your detailed application with the usual documents by January 12, 2026 (stamped arrival date of the university central mail service or the time stamp on the email server of TUD applies), preferably via the TUD SecureMail Portal https://securemail.tu-dresden.de by sending it as a single pdf file to forstbotanik@tu-dresden.de or to:
TU Dresden, Institute of Forest Botany and Forest Zoology, Prof. Bernhard Schuldt, Helmholtzstr. 10, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
Please submit copies only, as your application will not be returned to you. Expenses incurred in attending interviews cannot be reimbursed.
Die TUD ist Gründungspartnerin der Forschungsallianz DRESDEN-concept e.V.
Reference to data protection: Your data protection rights, the purpose for which your data will be processed, as well as further information about data protection is available to you on the website: https://tu-dresden.de/karriere/datenschutzhinweis.
ID: 200031