English: Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) Friedrich Schiller University Jena in Germany

International Programmes 2025/2026©paginationHomeBackPreviousNextJena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC)Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC)Friedrich Schiller University Jena• JenaOverviewCourse detailsOnline learningCosts / FundingRequirements / RegistrationServicesDegreePhDCourse locationJenaIn cooperation withExcellence Cluster Balance of the MicroverseLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll InstituteMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyUniversity Hospital JenaTeaching languageEnglishGermanLanguagesThe primary working language at the JSMC is English. German is provided as an optional foreign language course to international students. Certain courses of the Friedrich Schiller University Graduate Academy are currently only offered in German, but we endeavour to provide them in English if there is sufficient demand.Mode of studyLess than 50% onlineProgramme duration7 semestersBeginningOnly for doctoral programmes: any timeApplication deadlineFor detailed information on the application procedure and deadlines, please visit:http://www.jsmc.uni-jena.de.Tuition fees per semester in EURNoneCombined Master's degree / PhD programmeNoJoint degree / double degree programmeNoDescription/contentAll forms of life on Earth are affected by the communication between microorganisms. Our interdisciplinary programme comprehensively covers microbial communication in all its facets and from various angles, from health to environment and from biology to optical technologies and bioinformatics. Sixteen institutes within five faculties of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena, six non-university research institutions, and twelve partner companies participate in the research and PhD training programme of the Graduate School of Excellence "Jena School for Microbial Communication" (JSMC). Ecological, chemical, physical, geological, pharmaceutical, medical, and biotechnological aspects of microbial communication are all investigated. New technologies are being developed at the JSMC. The obtained data is analysed with bioinformatics tools providing the basis for systems-biological models for an understanding of interactive networks in multi-partner and multi-level consortia. Continuous exchange of knowledge with the industrial partners facilitates a swift transfer of research results to applications as diverse as biotechnology, medicine and environmental protection.The extensive scientific network of the JSMC provides a platform for state-of-the-art doctoral training at the intersection of basic research and industrial application. After the programme, support is offered in seeking an initial post following the doctorate. The concept of the JSMC was awarded funding by the Excellence Initiative of the German federal government and the state governments in October 2007. After a positive evaluation of the JSMC in this highly competitive programme, the funding for the graduate school was extended in 2012. Since 2019, the JSMC has been funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation.Course organisationJSMC is seeking highly motivated doctoral researchers who wish to be educated in a structured, interdisciplinary training programme based on top-level fundamental research. The programme is based on the cooperative research with non-university research institutions and also includes direct involvement of companies with exchange of results in collaborative PhD projects.JSMC doctoral researchers can choose subjects for additional training from categories: a scientific programme, a mentoring programme, and a soft skills training programme.Scientific ProgrammeThe scientific programme aims to help students stay informed about the latest scientific developments in microbial communication.National and international speakers are invited to a bi-weekly microbiological colloquium to help the doctoral researchers gain an overview of international top-level research.Summer schools and technical courses with international guest scientists convey complementary knowledge in selected scientific fields and technologies.Early presentation and discussion of data at international conferences allows the doctoral researchers to gain experience in scientific communications and networking.Mentoring ProgrammeFor each doctoral researcher, a thesis committee guarantees close supervision from different angles of faculty specialisations. Regular consultations with both supervisors and seminars allow for constant monitoring of success for both the mentors and the fellow. The mentors provide help to find a position after the PhD is completed. The mentoring programme includes the following requirements:Thesis committee meetings to warrant efficient realisation of the career development plan of each individual doctoral researcherWeekly seminars with regular scientific progress reports and literature reports are credited with feedback from the mentors.Biannual school symposia with work progress reports allow exchange between the JSMC doctoral researchers.Scientific writing is supported and aided by seminars as well as co-reviewing of manuscripts with a native English speaker.Soft Skills ProgrammeThe soft skill training is based on the scientific education students receive and is closely linked to the microbiological education provided within JSMC to support career development.Courses and seminars from the pool of graduate programmes centrally allocated by the university are credited. Such courses include patent law, fund acquisition, bioethics, environmental law, project management, good scientific practice, leadership and intellectual property protection.Language courses like scientific English or German as a foreign language are centrally provided by the university.Credits can be achieved for the invitation and accommodation of guest scientists, arranging city tours and social programmes.Teaching of fellow students is credited to support teamwork and to provide a basis for future teaching responsibilities.Communication of research results to the public through popular science events and publications is supported and credited.Certificates for specific modules are awardedYesInternational elementsInternational guest lecturersSpecialist literature in other languagesLanguage training providedTraining in intercultural skillsProjects with partners in Germany and abroadCourses are led with foreign partnersIntegrated internshipsIn projects with an applied subject, collaborative research work can be carried out at an industry partner institution.The industry partners of the JSMC are:Alere Technologies GmbHBioControl Jena GmbHBioCentiv GmbHCarl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbHDyomics GmbHJena Bioscience GmbHJenaGen GmbHScienova GmbHWacker Biotech GmbHSpecial promotion / funding of the programmeOther (e.g. state level)Course-specific, integrated German language coursesYesCourse-specific, integrated English language coursesYesPace of courseMixed (e.g. fixed exam dates and duration, study content can be studied at any time)Phase(s) of attendance in Germany (applies to the entire programme)Yes, compulsoryTuition fees per semester in EURNoneSemester contributionOptional registration with "Studierendenwerk Thüringen" at a semester contribution of approx. 290 EUR will include free use of regional public transport, student concessions at cultural events and a package of counselling and support services.Costs of livingDoctoral researchers need approximately 850 EUR per month for rent, food, health insurance, books and personal items. Additionally, please seehttps://www.uni-jena.de/en/Jena+living+international.Funding opportunities within the universityYesDescription of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the universityAll candidates are recruited on the principle that funding is available.Academic admission requirementsRecruitment and selection of local and international doctoral researchers for the JSMC is based on previous study achievements. The students recruited should hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in a discipline of the natural sciences or life sciences.The best Bachelor's students of each year (top five percent) can apply for direct admission to the PhD programme with one year of qualification instead of the usually required Master's degree.Within the JSMC recruitment calls, PhD projects in various scientific disciplines are offered. Applicants can rank up to three projects of interest. The applicants' qualifications should match the requirements of the respective PhD projects they apply for (detailed descriptions of the projects offered within a JSMC recruitment call are published athttp://www.jsmc.uni-jena.dewhen a call is launched).Language requirementsExcellent English proficiency is required to allow for successful participation in the training programme and for communication and exchange between the scientists.Application deadlineFor detailed information on the application procedure and deadlines, please visit:http://www.jsmc.uni-jena.de.Submit application tohttp://www.jsmc.uni-jena.de/Possibility of finding part-time employmentNot recommendedAccommodationThe JSMC Office will, upon request, assist in the search for accommodation or in reserving a room in a student residence.Accommodation in student residences is available. Please apply to the "Studierendenwerk Thüringen". For further information, please visit our website at:http://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/housing/.You can also look for single or shared private accommodation yourself. The university accommodations offer billboards with frequent information on housing opportunities. However, please note that the availability of private accommodation in Jena is rather limited and needs to be organised in time.Structured research and supervisionYesResearch training / discussionYesCareer advisory services and programmes for future professionalsCareer advisory services and events are offered through the JSMC and the Graduate Academy at Friedrich Schiller University, e.g. career counselling for (advanced) doctoral candidates:https://www.uni-jena.de/en/phd.Support for international students and doctoral candidatesWelcome eventBuddy programmeTutorsSpecialist counsellingCultural and linguistic preparationVisa mattersGeneral services and support for international students and doctoral candidatesThe Graduate Academy is the one-stop office for doctoral candidates and postdocs at Friedrich Schiller University. Please visit the Graduate Academy website to explore the full range of information!https://www.uni-jena.de/en/phdSupervisor-student ratio1:2 – 1:3Friedrich Schiller University JenaUniversity locationActivate mapTo activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in ourprivacy policy.You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.Show mapContactFriedrich Schiller University JenaJena School for Microbial CommunicationProf Dr Erika KotheNeugasse 2307743 Jena+49 3641949540E-Mail:EmailWeb:Course websiteDr Jasmin Mertens+49 3641949540E-Mail:Email