PhD / Doctorate •

Degree

PhD

In cooperation with

• International Leibniz Research School for Microbial and Biomolecular Interactions
• Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute
• Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology
• University Hospital Jena

Teaching language

• English
• German

Languages

The 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 study

Less than 50% online

Programme duration

7 semesters

Beginning

Only for doctoral programmes: any time

Application deadline

For detailed information on the application procedure and deadlines, please visit: http://www.jsmc.uni-jena.de .

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme

No

Joint degree / double degree programme

No

Description/content

The communication between microorganisms affects all aspects of life on Earth. 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 a state-of-the-art doctoral training at the intersection between basic research and industrial application. Subsequent to completing 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 is being funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation.

Course organisation

JSMC seeks to attract highly motivated doctoral researchers who will 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 Programme
The 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 Programme
For 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 researcher
• Weekly 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 Programme
The 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.

International elements

• International guest lecturers
• Integrated study abroad unit(s)
• Specialist literature in other languages
• Language training provided
• Training in intercultural skills
• Projects with partners in Germany and abroad

Integrated study abroad unit(s)

To aid international education, research related to the topic of the dissertation can be carried out in international laboratories. Students can spend up to three months abroad to perform experiments. Research visits at collaborating institutions are credited within the training programme of the JSMC.

Integrated internships

In 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 GmbH
• BioControl Jena GmbH
• BioCentiv GmbH
• Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH
• Dyomics GmbH
• Jena Bioscience GmbH
• JenaGen GmbH
• Scienova GmbH
• Wacker Biotech GmbH

Special promotion / funding of the programme

• Other (e.g. state level)

Course-specific, integrated German language courses

Yes

Course-specific, integrated English language courses

Yes

Pace of course

Mixed (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, compulsory

Types of online learning elements

• Online sessions

Tuition fees per semester in EUR

None

Semester contribution

Optional registration with "Studierendenwerk Thüringen" at a semester contribution of approx. 250 EUR will include free use of regional public transport, student concessions at cultural events and a package of counselling and support services.

Costs of living

Students need approximately 800 to 850 EUR per month for rent, food, health insurance, books and personal items. Additionally, please see https://www.uni-jena.de/en/Jena+living+international .

Funding opportunities within the university

Yes

Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

All candidates are recruited on the principle that funding is available.

Academic admission requirements

Recruitment 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 at http://www.jsmc.uni-jena.de when a call is launched).

Language requirements

Excellent English proficiency is required to allow for successful participation in the training programme and for communication and exchange between the scientists.

Application deadline

For detailed information on the application procedure and deadlines, please visit: http://www.jsmc.uni-jena.de .

Submit application to

http://www.jsmc.uni-jena.de/

Possibility of finding part-time employment

Not recommended

Accommodation

The 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. In the buildings of the university, there are numerous information boards with accommodation offers. However, please note that the availability of private accommodation in Jena is rather limited.

Structured research and supervision

Yes

Research training / discussion

Yes

Career advisory service

Career 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 candidates

• Welcome event
• Buddy programme
• Tutors
• Specialist counselling
• Cultural and linguistic preparation
• Visa matters

General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The 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/phd

Supervisor-student ratio

1:2 – 1:3

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