Are you passionate about evolutionary genomics and looking to pursue a fully funded PhD in a world-class research environment? The University of Göttingen, Germany, is now inviting applications for 11 PhD positions under the prestigious Research Training Group GRK 2984: Evolutionary Genomics: Consequences of Biodiverse Reproductive Systems.
These competitive and interdisciplinary PhD positions are set to begin on January 1, 2026, and are fully funded until December 31, 2028, with a possible extension until the end of 2029.
🔬 About the PhD Program in Evolutionary Genomics
This cutting-edge doctoral training group focuses on understanding genome evolution across diverse reproductive systems—from sexual to asexual reproduction—in animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms.
Key research themes include:
- Nuclear genome evolution
- Genome erosion in asexual lineages
- Nuclear-organelle genomic interactions
- Horizontal gene transfer mediated by viruses
- Addressing the “paradox of sex”—one of evolutionary biology’s most fascinating questions.
💡 Innovative PhD Research Projects
Doctoral candidates will engage in interdisciplinary projects such as:
- Developing tools to analyze chromosome architecture
- Modeling genomic evolution under mutation-selection dynamics
- Advancing bioinformatics and statistical genomics methodologies
🎯 Who Can Apply?
This PhD opportunity is ideal for early-career researchers with:
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, preferably with a focus on evolutionary genomics
- Experience in molecular biology, bioinformatics, or statistical genomics
- A strong theoretical background in reproductive system evolution
- Excellent English language skills (minimum C1 level)
🔹 Teamwork, scientific curiosity, and active participation in group activities are crucial.
🌍 Why Choose the University of Göttingen?
Located in one of Europe’s leading research hubs, the University of Göttingen offers:
- Access to a world-class research ecosystem on the Göttingen Campus
- Facilities including a National High-Performance Computing Center and AI Service Center
- Regular seminars, workshops, and international conferences
- Teaching experience and co-authorship opportunities on high-impact publications
- A commitment to diversity, gender equality, and work-life balance
📝 How to Apply for the Göttingen PhD Program 2026
Application Deadline: September 1, 2025
📌 Required documents:
- Motivation letter (mentioning up to 3 preferred PhD projects)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- List of publications (if applicable)
- Master’s transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum C1)
📤 Upload your complete application as a single PDF file via the official application portal.
For detailed project descriptions, check the PhD Projects Overview.
📬 Contact for Inquiries
Prof. Elvira Hörandl
✉️ Email: elvira.hoerandl@biologie.uni-goettingen.de
📞 Phone: +49 551 39 28540