Program Overview

Microbiology and Biochemistry (Promotion/Ph.D.)

The doctoral program "Microbiology and Biochemistry" is part of the Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB). In the program, students study problems as diverse as pathogen-host interactions, the molecular biology of model microorganisms, or explore the diversity of microbial life at a variety of interesting places on our planet. Moreover, the research also involves the application of microorganisms and plants in biotechnology as well as the investigation of interactions between pro- and eukaryotic microorganisms and plants.

Features

• Name: Microbiology and Biochemistry
• Degree: doctoral degree (Dr.rer.nat./Ph.D.)
• Graduate school: GGNB
• Standard period of study: 6 semesters
• Start of studies: summer and winter semester
• Language of the programme: English
• Admission: restricted (application to GGNB)

Details

The doctoral program "Microbiology and Biochemistry" is part of the Göttingen Graduate School for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB). It is hosted by the Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB) and is conducted jointly by the University of Göttingen and the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences. The research-oriented program is taught in English and open to students who hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in the biosciences, chemistry, physics, or related fields, and who are interested in general, applied and infection biology as well as biochemistry and plant-microbe interactions.

Related programmes

• GGNB

Structure

The GGNB offers an integrated training and qualification concept consisting of:

• Thesis advisory committees advising the doctoral student and monitoring the progress of the doctoral project
• Scientific methods courses, seminars and summer schools in all science areas covered by the graduate school
• Professional skills courses in the four categories Scientific Communication; Good Scientific Practice, Ethics, and Intellectual Property; Self-Management and Organizational Skills; and Career Development, as well as German language courses and courses on Scientific English
• Industry excursions to biotechnological, pharmaceutical, optical or (bio)physical companies, guided by GGNB alumni
• Student-organized scientific symposia and career-related events
• Annual Ph.D. retreats organized by the programs In total, 20 Credits are required and doctoral students can tailor their individual curriculum by choosing from all courses and events. Only a Seminar on Good Scientific Practice is mandatory.

Application

Previous education

• M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) in the biosciences, chemistry, physics, or related fields

Language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to provide proof of proficiency in English at level C1 of the CEFR (or equivalent, e.g., completion of an M.Sc. degree in English or IELTS Band 7)

Further requirements

• You are eligible to apply to GGNB if:
  • you have already secured a doctoral position with a GGNB faculty member (apply within 3 months after the start of the PhD project)
  • you have successfully established contact to a GGNB faculty member who has expressed an interest in your application and who may be able to offer you a PhD position if you pass the selection process (apply up to 4 months before the planned start of the PhD project)