PhD Position in Neotropical Plant-Pollinator Interactions – Are you passionate about tropical ecology, plant-pollinator interactions, and biodiversity conservation? 🌎✨ Here’s your chance to join a fully funded PhD position in Neotropical Plant-Pollinator Interactions offered by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in collaboration with Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU) and the Universidad del Azuay (Ecuador).

Starting in early 2026, this 4-year PhD position provides a unique opportunity to work in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth – the tropical rainforests of Ecuador – while being part of a cutting-edge international research team in Germany.

📌 About the PhD Position in Neotropical Plant-Pollinator Interactions

The position is hosted within the Plant-Insect Interactions Group at the Department of Life Science Systems, Technical University of Munich (TUM). It is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) as part of the research project:

👉 “Plant-pollinator interactions: the role of floral traits and pollen flow during forest recovery” within the DFG Research Unit FOR 5207 Reassembly of species interaction networks – resistance, resilience, and functional recovery of a rainforest ecosystem.

This large-scale international project investigates how ecological networks reassemble during forest regeneration. As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Study the diversity, abundance, and trait space of Neotropical flowers 🌸.
• Investigate pollinator interactions and pollen flow across recovery gradients.
• Conduct extensive fieldwork in the Chocó rainforest, Ecuador.
• Use pollen-based network analyses and advanced ecological tools.
• Work under co-supervision of A. Keller (LMU Munich) and Boris Tinoco (Universidad del Azuay, Ecuador).

🎯 Key Responsibilities for PhD Position in Neotropical Plant-Pollinator Interactions

• Conduct independent research on Neotropical plant-pollinator networks.
• Perform field experiments and ecological surveys in Ecuador.
• Analyze ecological data using bioinformatics, sequencing, and machine learning tools.
• Collaborate with an international research team in Germany and Ecuador.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.

👩‍🎓 Eligibility and Requirements

The position is open to highly motivated MSc graduates worldwide with strong interest in tropical ecology and plant-pollinator research.

✅ Required qualifications:

• MSc degree in a related field (e.g., tropical ecology, pollination biology, plant-insect interactions, molecular ecology, botany).
• Strong motivation for ecological research in tropical ecosystems.
• Proven fieldwork experience, ideally in tropical forests.
• Excellent English communication skills (oral & written).
• Ability to work in an international and interdisciplinary team.

🌍 Additional desirable skills:

• Knowledge of German or Spanish is welcomed.
• Experience with entomology, drone-based surveys, or network analysis.
• Familiarity with machine learning and bioinformatics tools.
• Strong organizational and teamwork skills.

💡 What the Program Offers

This fully funded PhD Position in Neotropical Plant-Pollinator Interactions comes with an exceptional research environment and training opportunities:

• 🌱 Funding for 48 months (4 years) – including stipend, travel, and research costs.
• 🌍 Two-year field research stay in Ecuador (Canadé Reserve, Chocó rainforest).
• 🔬 Access to cutting-edge lab facilities and training in next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, and ecological network analysis.
• 👩‍🔬 Supervision by leading scientists from TUM, LMU Munich, and Universidad del Azuay.
• 🤝 An inspiring and international research community under the DFG-funded Reassembly project.
• 🎓 A pathway to an international academic career in ecology and conservation biology.

📅 Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is:
🗓️ 1st October 2025

📂 How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare a single PDF application file including:

1. A cover letter outlining research interests, motivation, and suitability.
2. A CV with details of academic background and research experience.
3. A short summary of research experience.
4. Copies of academic transcripts and certificates.
5. List of publications (if any).
6. Contact details of two referees.

📧 Applications must be submitted by email to:
Sara Leonhardt → sara.leonhardt@tum.de
and
*applications.pii@ls.tum.de

🌍 Why Apply for This PhD Position in Neotropical Plant-Pollinator Interactions?

This position is ideal for candidates passionate about conservation biology, ecology, and biodiversity research. It combines:

• Hands-on tropical fieldwork in one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots.
• Advanced ecological and molecular research tools.
• International collaboration with top universities in Germany and Ecuador.
• A strong focus on real-world ecological challenges – including climate change, species resilience, and forest recovery.

With biodiversity loss and ecosystem recovery being pressing global issues, this PhD will prepare you to be at the forefront of ecological research and conservation efforts worldwide. 🌿🌎

🔗 Useful Links

• 🌐 Technical University of Munich (TUM)
• 🌐 Reassembly Research Unit
• 📜 Application Data Protection Policy

📌 Summary

• Position: PhD in Neotropical Plant-Pollinator Interactions
• Host Institution: Technical University of Munich (TUM) in collaboration with LMU Munich & Universidad del Azuay (Ecuador)
• Duration: 4 years (48 months)
• Start Date: Early 2026
• Fieldwork Location: Chocó Rainforest, Ecuador
• Deadline: 1 October 2025
• Funding: Fully funded (stipend + research support)

🚀 Final Thoughts

This PhD Position in Neotropical Plant-Pollinator Interactions is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of tropical ecology, biodiversity, and cutting-edge molecular tools. If you are passionate about plant-pollinator networks, tropical forest recovery, and ecological resilience, this program will allow you to make a real scientific impact while building an international career in ecology and conservation.

📢 Don’t miss this chance to apply – the deadline is 1st October 2025!

🧑‍🎓 Author Bio

Mubeen Ali Niaz
Founder of ScholarshipsWithAakash.site
Mubeen curates top-ranked, fully funded scholarships for international students. With a strong background in global education and SEO, he helps students worldwide gain access to world-class research programs.

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