Research Associate

In Department Ecological agricultural sciences, Section of Organic Plant Protection (Prof. Dr. Maria R. Finckh), the following position is to be filled as soon as possible:
Research Associate (M/F/d), EG 13 TV-H, fixed-term, part-time (currently 26 hours per week)
**Application deadline**:
18.02.2025
**Date of hire**: as soon as possible
**vacancy number**: 38143
This is a part-time position with 65% of the regular working hours. The position is initially limited until December 31, 2027, within the framework of the project “Improving the resilience of faba beans to the pathogens causing legume fatigue and infestation by black bean aphids (Aphis fabae) and pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) (FABARobust)”. The limitation is in accordance with - 2 (2) WissZeitVG. Focus of the position is on soil-borne fungal pathogens and resistance screening The opportunity to pursue a doctorate is available. Descriptions of the research project can be found at.
**Tasks**:

- Development of methods for testing the resistance of faba beans (Vicia faba) and peas (Pisum sativum) against soil-borne fungal pathogens.
- Optimization of resistance screening protocols to ensure reliable phenotyping of large collections of plant genotypes.
- Coordination of sampling and data analysis from laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments, focusing on evaluating plant genetic resources for root rot resistance.
- Management of preparation, maintenance and quality control of inoculum for various soil-borne pathogens.
- Application of standard microbiological and molecular biology techniques, including DNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, and (high-throughput) sequencing.
- Conducting advanced statistical analyses of agronomic and microbial datasets.
- Active participation in the preparation of project reports and scientific publications.
- Data management and promotion of knowledge transfer with project partners.
- Publication of research results in peer-reviewed journals and presentation of findings at national and international conferences in German and English.

**Requirements**:

- A completed academic degree in agricultural sciences, plant pathology or a comparable field closely related to phytopathology. The degree must be available at the time of employment commencement
- In-depth knowledge of plant pathology, preferably with a focus on mycology
- Experience in conducting field and greenhouse experiments
- Knowledge of statistical methods for analyzing biological systems
- Excellent oral and written communication skills for effectively presenting findings
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written

Advantageous
- Practical experience with laboratory procedures for isolating soil microorganisms, with a focus on plant pathogenic fungi
- Experience in metagenomics and analysis of high-throughput data
- Good German speaking and writing skills
- A valid Class B driving license

For any questions, please contact Dr. Adnan Sisic at adnan_sisic(at)uni-kassel.de or Tel.: +49 5542 98-1563.
**Our Offer**:
As an employee of the University of Kassel
- you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university,
- you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
- you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures,
- is your workplace with good connections to public transport, which you can currently use free of charge.

In addition, you will benefit from the advantages of employment in the public service such as:

- an additional company pension (VBL),
- an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies),
- an annual bonus
- an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits,
- a promotion of voluntary commitment,
- low-cost participation in university sports and a full range of fitness activities as part of Unifit, as well as workplace health management

You can find more jobs at stellen.uni-kassel.de
The University of Kassel is very interested in the professional satisfaction of its employees. It is distinguished as a family-friendly university and, in the interests of equal opportunities, strives to offer everyone the same opportunities for development and to counteract existing disadvantages. It promotes the Family Welcome Service and also the Dual Career Service for positions that are scientifically and academically filled. One of the strategic goals of the University of Kassel is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if they have the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance. Full-time positions are generally divisible (except when filling civil servant positions). Ap