About Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU Jena)

Located in the heart of Germany, Friedrich Schiller University Jena (FSU Jena) is a leading hub for academic excellence, research innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With over 17,000 students and 10,000 employees, the university thrives under its three core research pillars: Light, Life, and Liberty.

FSU Jena maintains strong partnerships with renowned research institutes, innovative companies, and cultural organizations, creating a vibrant ecosystem for groundbreaking discoveries.

The Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse”

At the forefront of FSU Jena’s research is the Cluster of Excellence – Balance of the Microverse, which investigates microbial communities across oceans, groundwater, plants, and human hosts. This initiative identifies common traits in disturbed ecosystems and infectious diseases at the microbiome level, paving the way for sustainable, targeted interventions.

Doctoral training is offered through the Jena School for Microbial Communication (JSMC), which combines structured coursework with interdisciplinary research in state-of-the-art facilities.

PhD Position: Microbial Pathogens and Climate Change

Research Focus:
The doctoral researcher will join Dr. Amelia Barber’s research group to study how climate change influences the evolution, behavior, and infectivity of fungal pathogens. Many of these pathogens originate in natural environments before infecting humans.

The project will combine:

• Experimental approaches (e.g., environmental microcosms)
• Advanced bioinformatics & genomics
  to understand how rising temperatures and shifting ecosystems drive pathogen adaptation and the emergence of novel infectious threats.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct independent microbiology and molecular biology experiments.
• Analyze large datasets, generate publication-quality figures, and write scientific manuscripts.
• Present findings at local, national, and international conferences.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including computational biologists.
• Mentor BSc students and research assistants.
• Contribute to a collaborative and inclusive research culture.

Candidate Profile

Essential:

• Master’s degree (or near completion) in biological sciences, bioinformatics, microbiology, or related field.
• Strong motivation, curiosity, and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.

Preferred (but not mandatory):

• Lab experience in microbiology or molecular biology.
• Skills in coding, statistics, or next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis.
• Experience in interdisciplinary research environments.

FSU Jena encourages applications even from candidates who do not meet every listed requirement.

What FSU Jena Offers

• Fully funded PhD position (TV-L E13 pay scale, part-time 65%).
• 3.5 years funding with possible extension.
• Comprehensive doctoral training through JSMC, including mentoring and soft skills workshops.
• Access to cutting-edge laboratories and computational resources.
• 30 vacation days annually + 2 extra days (Dec 24 & 31).
• Family-friendly policies, childcare support, and health programs.
• A vibrant, international research community in the City of Science – Jena.

Why Study Microbial Pathogens in the Context of Climate Change?

Climate change is transforming ecosystems, altering pathogen dynamics, and increasing the risk of emerging infectious diseases. Fungal pathogens, in particular, are adapting to warming conditions, potentially making them more capable of infecting humans.

This research will:

• Provide insights into pathogen evolution under climate stress.
• Contribute to global infectious disease preparedness.
• Support targeted intervention strategies for both public health and ecosystem restoration.

Life in Jena – Germany’s City of Science

Jena offers the perfect balance of academic focus and cultural vibrancy. The city hosts music festivals, museums, historic sites, and scenic landscapes, all while fostering strong research collaborations. Its central location provides easy access to major cities like Berlin, Leipzig, Dresden, and Munich.

How to Apply

Applications are open until August 31, 2025.
Submit your application through the FSU Jena Online Application Portal.

Required documents typically include:

• CV and academic transcripts
• Motivation letter
• References or recommendation letters

Tip for Applicants: Highlight your interdisciplinary skills, adaptability, and motivation to address global challenges at the intersection of microbiology and climate science.

Program Overview: Evolutionary Genomics – GRK 2984

The GRK 2984 doctoral program focuses on the evolution of genomes in organisms with diverse reproduction strategies—sexual, asexual, and beyond. As a PhD candidate, you will explore major evolutionary questions while using high-throughput genomics, bioinformatic tools, and advanced statistical methods.

Key Research Topics Include:

• The paradox of sex in evolution
• Genome erosion and adaptive functions in asexual organisms
• Interactions between nuclear and organelle genomes
• Horizontal gene transfer via viral vectors (prokaryotes and eukaryotes)
• Development of novel genome architecture models

PhD Program Details

• Start Date: January 1, 2026
• Duration: 3 years (extendable until December 31, 2029)
• Funding: Fully funded (TV-L E13/65% salary under German public sector pay scale)
• Location: University of Göttingen, Germany

These PhD roles are designed as qualification positions and are part of Germany’s publicly funded research sector, ensuring financial stability and academic support.

Who Should Apply?

The program is ideal for aspiring researchers from diverse backgrounds and all genders who meet the following requirements:

• Master’s degree in Biology, preferably with a focus on evolutionary genomics
• Hands-on experience in molecular lab techniques, bioinformatics, or genomic data analysis
• Strong conceptual knowledge of reproductive system evolution
• English proficiency (minimum C1 level)
• Collaborative attitude and cross-disciplinary mindset

What the Program Offers

This PhD opportunity is more than just a research position—it’s a complete academic development journey. Highlights include:

• Access to National High-Performance Computing (NHR) resources
• Integration with AI-driven research platforms
• Regular workshops, seminars, and international conferences
• Teaching and mentorship opportunities
• Supportive, family-friendly work environment
• Inclusive policies promoting gender equality and support for researchers with disabilities

How to Apply: Documents & Deadline

Application Deadline: September 1, 2025

Prepare and upload the following documents in a single PDF file:

1. Motivation letter (mention up to three preferred PhD projects)
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Academic transcripts and degree certificates
4. English language proficiency certificate (C1 minimum)
5. List of scientific publications (if any)

Submit your application online via the official portal: Apply Here

For inquiries, contact:
Prof. Elvira Hörandl
Email: elvira.hoerandl@biologie.uni-goettingen.de
Phone: +49 551 39 28540

Data Privacy and GDPR Compliance

By applying, you agree to the GDPR-compliant processing of personal data. Please refer to the university’s data protection policy for full details.

Start Your Evolutionary Genomics Journey in Germany

This prestigious PhD program at the University of Göttingen is your gateway to an international research career in evolutionary biology, genome science, and computational biology. Whether you’re intrigued by sexual reproduction strategies, horizontal gene flow, or genome evolution, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with global experts in one of Europe’s top-ranked research institutions.

Apply now and help shape the future of evolutionary genomics.

Are you passionate about climate change adaptation, plant genomics, and AI-driven research? A fully funded PhD opportunity in Genomic Vulnerability and Climate Resilience is now open at the prestigious Université Paris-Saclay in France. This interdisciplinary PhD combines environmental genomics, machine learning, statistics, and plant science to build tools for understanding species resilience under climate stress.

About the PhD Program

As climate change accelerates, predicting how plant populations respond to extreme environmental shifts is critical for ensuring global food security. This PhD project aims to advance our understanding of genomic adaptation in crops like maize and teosinte under future climate scenarios.

Key Objective: Develop cutting-edge statistical and deep learning methods to model genomic vulnerability using Genome-Environment Association (GEA) and Genomic Offset (GO) frameworks.

Why Choose This PhD?

• Host Laboratory: MIA Lab at INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay — a hub for innovation in statistical modeling and quantitative genetics.
• Expert Supervision: Work under the guidance of leading scientists including Julie Aubert, Tristan Mary-Huard, M. Tenaillon, Laurence Moreau, and Mathieu Gautier.
• Collaborative Research: Jointly conducted with UMR Génétique Quantitative et Évolution and the University of Montpellier.
• Real-World Relevance: Focused on analyzing genomic data of maize and teosinte to assess their drought tolerance and climate resilience.

Research Highlights

• Climate change impact modeling
• Environmental and adaptive genomics
• Machine learning & neural networks
• High-dimensional data analysis
• Variational inference & stochastic optimization

Who Should Apply?

If you have a strong background in applied mathematics, machine learning, or statistics, and you’re curious about genomics and environmental adaptation, this opportunity is tailor-made for you.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Bioinformatics, Machine Learning, or related fields
• Proficiency in Python and/or R
• Interest in plant biology, climate science, and computational genomics
• Motivation to work on real-world problems with an interdisciplinary team

Program Details

• Degree Level: PhD in Environmental and Computational Genomics
• Location: Université Paris-Saclay, France
• Start Date: September or October 2025
• Duration: 3 years
• Funding Source: CLand Project & PEPR Maths-Vives
• Doctoral School: École Doctorale de Mathématiques Hadamard (EDMH)

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following documents via email:

• CV (with academic background and skills)
• Cover Letter (outlining your motivation and fit for the project)
• Contact details of two academic referees

Send Applications To:

• Tristan Mary-Huard: tristan.mary-huard@agroparistech.fr
• Julie Aubert: julie.aubert@agroparistech.fr

Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submission is highly encouraged!

About the PhD Program

The Vienna Graduate School of Population Genetics brings together a prestigious faculty from Austria’s leading research institutions. Experts in theoretical population genetics, functional biology, bioinformatics, and statistical genetics will mentor PhD students in an interdisciplinary and collaborative academic environment.

Students will gain advanced skills in:

• Population genomics
• Computational biology
• Statistical analysis
• Functional validation of genetic hypotheses

Whether your background is in theoretical, computational, or experimental biology, this program encourages a passion for interdisciplinary and interactive research.

Key Features of the Program

Fully funded PhD positions
Internationally competitive monthly salary
Collaborative training from Austria’s top research centers
Exposure to cutting-edge research in evolutionary and population genetics
Access to a vibrant scientific community

Research Topics Offered

As a PhD student, you will work on one of the following cutting-edge research areas:

• Deleterious mutations and their role in adaptation
• Genetic mechanisms of ageing and longevity
• Evolutionary dynamics in local Drosophila populations
• Time-series analysis to detect selection signatures
• Genotype-phenotype mapping strategies
• Polygenic adaptation and stabilizing selection
• Evolution and function of gene regulatory networks

Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

This PhD program is ideal for highly motivated students with a background in:

• Bioinformatics
• Statistics or Mathematics
• Theoretical Biology
• Experimental Evolutionary Genetics
• Computational Population Genetics

PhD Salary & Funding

• Monthly stipend: €2,786.10 (pre-tax)
• Funding Source: Austrian Science Fund (FWF)
• Funding includes: Salary, research support, and access to training resources

Application Deadline

All applications must be submitted by 14 June 2025.

How to Apply

To apply, visit the official website:

www.popgen-vienna.at

Here you’ll find detailed instructions and descriptions of available research projects.

Why Choose VGSPG?

Studying at the Vienna Graduate School of Population Genetics offers a unique opportunity to become part of a global research community working on fundamental questions in evolution, genetics, and computational biology. The school’s commitment to scientific excellence, collaboration, and interdisciplinary research ensures an enriching PhD experience.

Apply today and take the next big step in your academic journey in one of Europe’s leading centers for evolutionary genetics!

PhD Project Overview: Tackling Sea Lice in Salmon Farming

Sea lice are a major global threat to salmon aquaculture, leading to millions in economic losses and raising significant fish welfare concerns. Current treatments are expensive and increasingly ineffective due to resistance and climate change effects. This PhD research aims to solve these problems through advanced genomic research.

Key research objectives include:

• Identifying genomic and transcriptomic markers associated with sea lice resistance vs. susceptibility
• Comparing systemic immune responses across various salmonid species
• Utilizing cutting-edge bioinformatics and molecular biology tools
• Supporting the development of biotechnological solutions to enhance innate resistance in farmed fish

This interdisciplinary project blends aquaculture innovation, genomics, and marine biotechnology to address one of the aquaculture industry’s most urgent issues.

Studentship and Funding Details

• Funding Providers: University of Exeter & CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science)
• Location: Streatham Campus, Exeter, United Kingdom
• Stipend: £20,780 per year (tax-free) for 3.5 years
• Research Budget: £21,000 (includes lab work, fieldwork, and conference travel)
• Start Date: 22 September 2025 (or soon after)
• Eligibility: Open to UK, EU, and international students

Ideal Candidate Profile

Applicants should have a strong academic background in one or more of the following areas:

• Genomics
• Molecular Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Marine Biology
• Aquaculture Science

Additional desirable qualities:

• Passion for sustainable aquaculture
• Interest in host-parasite interactions
• Motivation to apply genomic technologies for real-world impact

How to Apply for the PhD Position

To apply for this funded PhD opportunity:

1. Visit the official University of Exeter PhD Portal.
2. Use Reference ID: 5542
3. Submit your application before the deadline: 20 June 2025
4. For more information, contact the Department of Biosciences directly

Why Choose the University of Exeter?

• Ranked among the top UK universities for life sciences
• Globally recognized for genomics and marine biology research
• Strong collaboration with CEFAS and other international aquaculture partners
• State-of-the-art laboratories and supportive PhD training programs
• Located on a beautiful campus with access to career development resources

Be Part of the Future of Sustainable Aquaculture

Join a transformative project that combines molecular genetics, bioinformatics, and biotechnology to solve real-world challenges in the salmon farming industry. If you’re ready to make an impact in marine science and aquaculture innovation, apply now and shape the future of sustainable fish farming.

PhD Research Focus: OPISCOW Project

The PhD candidate will work on the OPISCOW Project – Origin, Prevalence, and Impact of Complex Structural Variation in cattle. This exciting research aims to:

• Estimate the de novo mutation rate of structural variants (SVs) in bovine genomes
• Utilize PacBio HiFi long-read sequencing on 50 parent-offspring trios
• Map data to a bovine telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome assembly
• Build haplotype-resolved genome assemblies
• Contribute to the global bovine pangenome initiative

Key Responsibilities

As a PhD student in this genomics project, your role will include:

• Analyzing high-throughput long-read sequencing datasets
• Identifying and characterizing structural variants and mutation rates
• Performing genome assembly and sequence alignment
• Engaging in collaborative international research projects
• Presenting your findings in top journals and scientific conferences

Candidate Requirements

To qualify for this PhD program, applicants must have:

• A Master’s degree (MSc) in genomics, genetics, bioinformatics, or related disciplines
• Programming skills in Python, R, or similar languages
• Experience working with high-performance computing (HPC) clusters
• Strong interest in computational and statistical genomics
• Proficiency in English communication and scientific writing

Why Choose ETH Zurich?

ETH Zurich stands out as a global leader in research and education, offering:

• A world-class environment for genomics and data science
• Excellent research infrastructure and laboratory facilities
• A competitive PhD salary and comprehensive benefits
• A collaborative and inclusive research community
• Exceptional support for career development and publishing opportunities

Important Dates & Application Process

• Start Date: September 1, 2025 (flexible; earlier start possible)
• Application Review Begins: May 20, 2025
• PhD Duration: 4 years (fully funded)

How to Apply:

Submit the following documents through the official ETH Zurich application portal:

1. Motivation letter
2. Updated CV (Curriculum Vitae)
3. Academic transcripts and degree certificates
4. Contact details of two academic referees

Contact Information

For inquiries about the position (not for applications), reach out to:
Prof. Hubert Pausch
Email: hubert.pausch@usys.ethz.ch

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

ETH Zurich is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The university promotes diversity and cultivates an inclusive research culture where every individual can thrive and contribute to innovative science.