PhD Position in Plant Health Risks in Legume Cultivation, University of Hohenheim, Germany

Summary

The University of Hohenheim is seeking two PhD Researchers (m/f/d) for the KörnLe project within the Departments of Phytopathology and Quality of Plant Products. The positions start on January 1, 2027, and are fixed-term until December 31, 2029, with a 65% working time capacity and remuneration up to E13 TV-L. The research focuses on plant health risks in the cultivation of chickpeas, lentils, and dry beans, including pathogens, crop rotation effects, biological control, seed health, and harvest quality. Applicants should hold a Master's degree or equivalent in phytopathology, plant sciences, agricultural sciences, biology, food chemistry, or a related field, and possess very good communication skills in German and English. Applications must be submitted via the online portal by November 23, 2026.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Hohenheim
Department	Institute of Phytomedicine / Institute of Crop Science
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Phytopathology / Plant Sciences / Agricultural Sciences / Biology / Food Chemistry
Research Area	Plant health risks in chickpea, lentil, and dry bean cultivation
Degree Required	Master's degree or equivalent
Experience	Knowledge or practical experience in plant pathology, microbiology, analytical chemistry, or food analysis. Experience with laboratory, greenhouse, or field trials is an advantage.
Salary	Up to E13 TV-L (65%)
Contract Duration	Fixed-term until December 31, 2029
Language	German and English
Deadline	2026-11-23
Employer Contact	Dr. Abbas El-Hasan, Phone: 0711 459 22392
Employer Address	Schloss Hohenheim 1, 70599, Baden-Württemberg

About the Project

The KörnLe joint project investigates plant health risks during the cultivation of chickpeas, lentils, and dry beans. The research focuses on pathogens, crop rotation effects, biological control approaches, seed health, and crop quality, collaborating across the University of Hohenheim, LfL, and LTZ.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and evaluate field surveys as well as laboratory, greenhouse, and field trials
• Diagnostic examination of fungal, oomycete, and bacterial pathogens and selected host-pathogen interactions
• Testing biological antagonists and alternative seed treatments
• Analytical investigation of valuable and antinutritional ingredients of harvested crops
• Documentation, quality assurance, and statistical evaluation of project data
• Participation in publications, project reports, and knowledge transfer

Required Skills

• Completed university degree (Master's or equivalent) in phytopathology, plant sciences, agricultural sciences, biology, food chemistry, or a related subject
• Knowledge or practical experience in plant pathology, microbiology, analytical chemistry, or food analysis
• Very good written and spoken communication skills in German and English
• Independent, meticulous, and structured way of working

Who Should Apply

Candidates holding a Master's degree or equivalent in Phytopathology, Plant Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Biology, Food Chemistry, or a related field. Applicants should have knowledge or practical experience in plant pathology, microbiology, analytical chemistry, or food analysis, along with very good oral and written communication skills in both German and English.

Benefits

• Lively and innovative working environment on a green campus
• Diverse tasks with scope for design
• Secure job
• Family and career compatibility with flexible working hours and mobile working
• Personal and professional development opportunities
• Health promotion and university sports
• Job ticket and job bike

About the Employer

The University of Hohenheim is a specialized university uniting Agricultural, Natural, and Business, Economics and Social Sciences faculties on a compact green campus in Stuttgart-Hohenheim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline for these positions?

The application deadline is November 23, 2026.

What degree is required to apply?

A completed university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Phytopathology, Plant Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Biology, Food Chemistry, or a related field is required.

What is the contract duration and starting date?

The positions start on January 1, 2027, and are fixed-term until December 31, 2029.

What language skills are needed?

Very good written and oral communication skills in both German and English are required.

Who can I contact for questions regarding the position?

You can contact Dr. Abbas El-Hasan by phone at 0711 459 22392.