Hochschule Geisenheim University Hiring PhD Candidate (m/f/d) in Plant Virus Analysis Using RNA-seq, Germany

This Plant Virus PhD opportunity at Hochschule Geisenheim University, Germany, focuses on plant virus analysis using RNA-seq. The university invites applications for a Ph.D. candidate (m/f/d) under reference 25/2026. A master’s or university diploma in a related field is required. Application deadline: 24 November 2026.

Job Details

Company: Hochschule Geisenheim University

Position: Ph.D. candidate (m/f/d) in plant virus analysis using RNA-seq

Reference: 25/2026

Designation: Research Assistant (65%)

Location: Germany

Employment Type: Fixed-term for 3 years

Start Date: 1 January 2027

Pay Band: 13 TV-H

Application Deadline: 24 November 2026

Plant Virology Doctoral Project Details

The plant virology doctoral project establishes Oxford Nanopore long-read RNA sequencing and bioinformatics for the diagnosis and research of Grapevine Pinot Gris Virus (GPGV).

Collaborative project with GFPi, DLR Neustadt and WBI Freiburg.

Job Description

The project covers:

  • Detecting infections directly from grapevine RNA
  • Reconstructing viral genomes
  • Studying genetic diversity in German wine-growing regions
  • Studying symptom development and natural spread via animal vectors

Eligibility Criteria

  • Master’s or university diploma in biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, plant sciences, horticulture, agricultural sciences or related
  • Final-phase students may apply

Required Skills

  • Basic molecular biology experience (RNA/DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing)
  • Basic Linux/Unix command line
  • Interest in sequence analysis, clustering, de novo assembly, comparative genomics
  • Excellent English

How to Apply for the Plant Virus PhD

Academic Contact: Maximilian Schmidt, +49 (0)6722-502-194, [email protected]

Additional Information

Original Notification: Geisenheim University careers portal (posted 28 Oct 2026)

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION / APPLY ONLINE

For this plant virus doctoral position, the application deadline is 24 November 2026.