The Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics, one of 15 Federal Research Institutes for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries in Germany, is offering a permanent full-time position starting at the earliest possible date as

Research Scientist (m/f/d)

(Biology / Forest Sciences / Agricultural Sciences)

to be filled in the research group resistance research at the station Waldsieversdorf. We conduct forest genetic research at the two stations in Großhansdorf and Waldsieversdorf. In the coming years, the research will be merged in Großhansdorf.

A focus of our work is climate adapted forest. Due to climate change and globalization, the forest is increasingly threatened by insects (leaf/needle-eating insects, bark beetles, wood infestation). We aim to intensify our work in this area to understand the genetic basis of resistance to pests (genetic architecture of resistance traits) and thus derive practical strategies for enhancing breeding for resistance and to conduct genetic screening in tree populations. The position is intended to complement and expand the ongoing work in the field of resistance to diseases. The institute has laboratories for molecular biology and in vitro studies, experimental tree nurseries, and several hundred forestry trials with genetically defined material (clones, progeny, provenances) distributed throughout the country.

Responsibilities:

• Study genetic basis of resistance traits (estimating heritabilities, genome-wide association studies, genomic predictions)
• Developing and implementing strategies for resistance breeding
• Developing and applying methods for genetic screening of insect resistance in tree populations
• Developing genetic alternatives to replace chemical plant protection products (including RNA interference)
• Assisting in the organization of laboratory operations and training (academic qualifications, training for biology laboratory technicians)
• Publishing results in journals and presenting at conferences
• Securing project funding and project management
• Preparing statements and reports for the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

Requirements:

• Completed university degree in biology, forestry, or agricultural sciences; a doctorate is desirable
• Solid genetic knowledge (genomics, molecular biology, quantitative genetics, bioinformatics)
• Knowledge of the biology and genetics of pest insects and their interactions with environmental factors
• Experience in resistance research and forest entomology
• Ability and willingness to work in teams
• Willingness to travel for several days
• Very good knowledge of English
• Good knowledge of German language (B2)

The employment relationship is based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD); remuneration is paid in accordance with pay group 13 TVöD.

We support the compatibility of work and family life and have been awarded the auditberufundfamilie certificate. In order to support compatibility, the Thünen Institute offers flexible working time models, home office, mobile working and teleworking, among other things, within the scope of official possibilities. Part-time employment is generally possible.

The Thünen Institute promotes professional equality between women and men and therefore expressly welcomes applications from women.

The Thünen Institute is committed to inclusion. Applications from people with severe disabilities are therefore expressly encouraged. They will be given special consideration in the selection process.

Please contact Dr. Ben Bubner (ben.bubner@thuenen.de, +49 33433 157170) for further information.

Interested candidates should send their application (including CV and copies of relevant certificates, as a single PDF file via email referring to “2024-142-FG“ until September 1st, 2024 to

fg-bewerbungen@thuenen.de

Thünen-Institute of Forest Genetics

Eberswalder Chaussee 3a

15377 Waldsieversdorf

Information in accordance with Article 13 GDPR on the collection of personal data can be found at  www.thuenen.de/de/thuenen-institut/karriere