The Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC) in Jena is dedicated to interdisciplinary fundamental research in the field of Earth system sciences with a focus on climate and ecosystems. The internationally renowned institute, which currently employs around 250 people, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022. Jena is known for high-tech industry, internationally renowned research institutions and a modern university, but it also has a beautiful natural setting in the green Saale valley with steep limestone slopes. The city of Jena has an active student scene and a diverse cultural life. Starting from 1 October 2025, our team offers a PhD Position (m/f/d) in Phenology and Pollen Forecasting using Citizen Science Data. The position is limited to 3 years.

Background and position description

The research group is heavily involved in the development of the Flora Incognita app for automated plant identification, which has been downloaded over 10 million times by now. As a result of this success and the dedicated community of plant enthusiasts, millions of plant observations are available, their numbers growing. These observations are useful for modelling flowering times over large spatial scales. Now, the PollenNet project seeks a highly motivated PhD student working at the interface of plant phenology, citizen science and ecological modelling.

The PollenNet project is a joint initiative of the following institutions Ilmenau University of Technology, the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Leipzig and Leipzig University Hospital. One of the aims of PollenNet is to predict pollen levels in the air, using observations of flowering plants collected via the Flora Incognita app.

Your tasks

• First, you need to develop and apply methods that enable the recognition of phenological stages of allergenic plants on images.
• Then, the phenological development of these species shall be modelled based on opportunistic observation data and various influencing factors (e.g. meteorological, climatic).
• The final step is to contribute to the development of a forecasting model that will predict the pollen drift of allergenic plants.
• PollenNet relies heavily on citizen scientist contributions, therefore, you will be expected to support the science communication of this project.
• You will be expected to create and participate in scientific publications.

Your profile

• Successfully completed master's degree in environmental sciences, e.g., ecology, botany, geoecology, meteorology, or data science
• Experience in quantitative analysis of large data sets, statistical modeling, and knowledge of at least one programming language (e. g.: R, Python and/or Julia) are required.
• Experience in machine learning and image recognition methods, as well as knowledge of botany and phenology, is advantageous.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills are required.
• Self-motivated, creative, structured, and solution-oriented working methods and the willingness to work in a team are expected.

Our offer

• Work in a dynamic, international and interdisciplinary environment
• Close cooperation with computer scientists of the Research Group Data Intensive Systems and Visualisation at the TU Ilmenau, as well as scientists of the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv)
• Flexible working hours and a family-friendly working environment

Part-time work is generally possible. The position will be evaluated and graded following the collective agreement according to TVöD Bund; in addition, we will provide a pension plan based on the public service (VBL).
The Max Planck Society (MPS) strives for gender equality and diversity. The MPS aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore explicitly encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from all fields. The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are expressly encouraged.

Your application

If you have questions regarding the research, please contact Dr. Michael Rzanny (mrzanny@bgc-jena.mpg.de). Are you interested? Please send us your application with cover letter, curriculum vitae as well a s names and contact information of two references summarised in a PDF file (max. 10 MB) by June 20, 2025, quoting the reference number 13/2025 by e-mail to bewerbung@bgc-jena.mpg.de or to the

Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry
Personalbüro: Kennwort “Doktorand”
Hans-Knöll-Straße 10
07745 Jena
Germany

We ask that you do not use application folders, but only submit copies, as your documents will be destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations after the application process has been completed. We look forward to receiving your application!