Friedrich Schiller University Jena
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Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) PhD Programme Friedrich Schiller University Jena in Germany
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
The JSMC is fully funded since 2026 by the Thuringian Ministry of Education, Science and Culture; earlier funding was provided by the Excellence Initiative and the Carl Zeiss Foundation. No tuition fees are charged.
Country
Germany
University
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
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About this position
The Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC) at Friedrich Schiller University Jena offers an interdisciplinary doctoral programme focused on the many ways microorganisms communicate and interact. The programme brings together research spanning health, environment, biology, optical technologies, and bioinformatics, creating a broad training environment for PhD candidates interested in both fundamental and applied microbiological research.
Students are embedded in a large collaborative network that includes institutes and partners from the university, multiple non-university research organisations, and industry. Research at JSMC addresses ecological, chemical, physical, geological, pharmaceutical, medical, and biotechnological aspects of microbial communication, and candidates work in an environment designed to connect basic research with technological development and real-world applications.
The programme emphasises analysis of research data with bioinformatics tools and the development of systems-biological models to better understand interactive networks in multi-partner and multi-level microbial consortia. It also highlights the transfer of scientific findings toward biotechnology, medicine, and environmental protection through close exchange with industrial partners.
JSMC is part of a strong scientific ecosystem in Jena, with teaching and research cooperation across university faculties and external institutes. The programme is structured doctoral training with research discussion and supervision in an English-speaking environment, while also offering access to a wide interdisciplinary academic network.
The school aims to provide state-of-the-art doctoral education at the interface of basic research and industrial application.
Funding details
The JSMC is fully funded since 2026 by the Thuringian Ministry of Education, Science and Culture; earlier funding was provided by the Excellence Initiative and the Carl Zeiss Foundation. No tuition fees are charged.
What's required
Applicants are for a doctoral (PhD) programme. The primary working language is English, and German is offered as an optional foreign language course; certain Graduate Academy courses may currently be only in German, though English delivery may be offered if demand is sufficient. No tuition fees are charged.
How to apply
Apply through the programme website and the admission overview page. Review the application information on the JSMC pages before submitting your materials. As the programme has no deadline, applications can be made any time.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.