PhD in Microbial Communication – Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC)
Join an interdisciplinary PhD programme exploring microbial communication across biology, medicine, and technology at Friedrich Schiller University Jena.
Best for:Best for highly motivated researchers with a Master’s in natural sciences or life sciences, seeking an interdisciplinary PhD with strong industry and research institution collaboration.
Overview
The Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) offers a structured PhD programme investigating how microorganisms communicate across ecological, chemical, physical, and biotechnological domains. Based at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, this interdisciplinary initiative collaborates with leading research institutions, including Max Planck Institutes and Leibniz Institutes, as well as industry partners like Carl Zeiss and BioCentiv. PhD candidates engage in cutting-edge research, from developing new technologies to analysing microbial networks using bioinformatics. The programme provides mentorship, scientific training, and career support, including workshops on scientific writing, patent law, and public communication. Funding is provided by the Thuringian Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture, with no tuition fees and a structured curriculum combining research, soft skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent research in microbial communication, guided by a thesis committee with diverse expertise.
- Develop and apply bioinformatics tools to analyse microbial interaction networks and systems biology models.
- Present research findings at international conferences and participate in bi-weekly colloquia with national/international speakers.
- Engage in interdisciplinary training, including scientific, mentoring, and soft skills programmes (e.g., patent law, project management, scientific writing).
- Collaborate with industry partners on applied research projects, facilitating knowledge transfer to biotechnology, medicine, and environmental protection.
- Participate in summer schools, technical courses, and symposia to stay updated on advancements in microbial communication.
- Contribute to public science communication through popular science events and outreach activities.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in natural sciences, life sciences, or related fields. Top 5% Bachelor’s graduates may apply with one year of additional qualification.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; B1 level required (no proof required). German is optional but helpful for local job opportunities.
Instruction: English (primary); German for some university courses (if demand exists).
- Strong background in natural sciences or life sciences with a focus on microbial research.
- Proficiency in bioinformatics tools and computational methods for data analysis.
- Experience with laboratory techniques relevant to microbial communication studies.
- Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
- Basic knowledge of English for academic communication (B1 level required).
- No nationality restrictions.
- Master’s degree or equivalent in natural sciences/life sciences (or top 5% Bachelor’s graduates with additional qualification).
- No age restrictions.
- No prior experience caps, but alignment with PhD project requirements is essential.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
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- Teaching language
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- Taught / research mode
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- Study mode
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- Campus
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- Prerequisites
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- Tuition
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- Funding
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How to apply
Applicants must submit their application via email to jsmc@uni-jena.de. Include a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and a ranked list of up to three PhD projects from the current JSMC call. No formal deadline exists; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Detailed instructions are available on the [JSMC admission website](https://www.jsmc-phd.de/admission/overview.html).
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
- Ranked list of up to three preferred PhD projects from the current JSMC call
- Proof of English proficiency (B1 level, if applicable)
Contact
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