Doctoral student In the field of quantitative genetics (m/f/d)
Hybrid breeding is central to modern vegetable improvement, yet the quantitative genetic basis of heterosis and the optimal design of heterotic pools remain insufficiently understood in many horticultural crops. This PhD project aims to develop quantitative frameworks for the exploration and exploitation of heterosis in hybrid vegetable breeding.
Using multi-environment phenotypic and genomic data from inbred lines and their hybrids, the project will (i) characterise the genetic architecture of hybrid performance for key traits, including additive and non-additive genetic effects and heterosis patterns, (ii) develop data-driven strategies for heterotic pool design based on genomic information and (iii) integrate genomic prediction with mate allocation algorithms to optimise crossing decisions under short- and long-term breeding objectives.
The project combines analyses of commercial breeding data with simulation-based approaches and is conducted in close collaboration with a major commercial vegetable breeding company. It aims to contribute to next-generation, data-driven hybrid breeding strategies in horticultural crops.
The position is embedded in the LOEWE research program of the State of Hesse and part of a highly interdisciplinary breeding research environment. The doctoral candidate will be closely integrated into international training and research networks in the field of predictive and quantitative breeding, providing excellent opportunities for scientific exchange, mobility and career development.
Your profile - our requirements
- Successfully completed university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, agricultural or horticultural sciences, bioinformatics, computational biology or a related field
- Solid background and strong interest in quantitative genetics and/or statistical genomics
- Experience in analysing genomic and phenotypic data sets
- Solid programming skills in R and/or Python
- Interest in optimisation methods, simulation approaches and breeding strategy design
- Ability to work independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team
- Excellent English skills (written and spoken)
- High motivation to publish results in international peer-reviewed journals
- _Security - _employment in the public sector with remuneration (depending on professional experience and qualifications) up to pay group 13 TV-H and a company pension scheme.
- _Meaningfullness _– responsible task in a practical project to secure the future of horticulture with a strong international alignment in an interdisciplinary motivated team.
- _Prospects _- personal, needs-oriented promotion through extensive training and further education opportunities; possibility of a doctorate
- _Flexibility - _individual working time models (work-life balance), generally the possibility of mobile working after familiarisation and 30 days' holiday
- _Mobility - _LandesTicket Hessen 2026 and 2024 for free use of local and regional public transport within Hesse
- _Feel-good factor _- a sense of belonging as "Geisenheimer " through a familiar environment on the green campus with listed parks and buildings, coupled with the warmth of the Rheingau.
Where? Geisenheim in the cultural region Rheingau (50 km west of Frankfurt/Main)
When? From 01/07/2026
How? Doctoral researcher (65 % E13), 3 years fixed-term (§ 2 Abs.1 WissZeitVG)
Application Deadline: 12/06/2026
Please upload a cover letter, your CV, and your academic and professional references.
For us, your profile and your strengths count. That is why we welcome every person regardless of characteristics such as gender, age and origin or disability.
People with disabilities (as defined in § 2 Para. 2 and 3 SGB IX) are given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified.
Geisenheim University is a university that has been audited as "family-friendly" and is committed to diversity, equal rights for all genders and the compatibility of work and family. Therefore, we expressly encourage women with appropriate qualifications to apply.
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